Beat the Heat: Police Gear Up with Cooling Jackets

In a move to mitigate the harsh effects of summer heat on duty, police and traffic personnel in Seraikela-Kharsawan district are now donning cooling jackets. This initiative, which follows a similar deployment in Ranchi, aims to enhance the comfort of officers working on the roads. A pilot project has seen six specially designed jackets, acquired from a Pune-based firm, distributed to personnel at various traffic posts.

Each jacket is equipped with two batteries that power integrated fans for up to six hours. To activate the cooling effect, users simply need to wet the collar with water, allowing cool air to circulate. Beyond their cooling capabilities, the jackets are fitted with reflective strips, significantly improving visibility for officers on night duty and potentially lowering accident risks. The cost for each jacket is approximately Rs 3,500.

In addition to the cooling jackets, the district police have distributed 26 ceiling fans, 45 pedestal fans, seven air coolers, and two wall-mounted fans to personnel stationed at police stations and outposts. These measures collectively aim to improve working conditions during the demanding summer months. While initial feedback from officers like traffic inspector Raju indicates a noticeable improvement in comfort, it is deemed too early to draw definitive conclusions about long-term effectiveness.