CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) -- The air conditioning unit at the county jail in Chattanooga is broken, and with daytime temperatures in the 90s, prisoners are being allowed perks such as frequent servings of ice cream and Popsicles.

The support services director for the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office said more than 500 inmates on six floors are trying to keep cool using box fans, ice water, Popsicles and ice cream.

G.A. Bennett told the Chattanooga Times Free Press that a motor in the air conditioning unit failed. He said a new unit will be installed early next week.

Bennett said inmates are also being allowed to wear their jumpsuits just to the waist and the kitchen is looking at cold menus.

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