Abilene Police Department Guidelines To Minimize the Exposure of Field Personnel to Contagious Diseases (From Contagious Diseases, Abilene Police Department Information Bulletin, September 7, 1987 -- See NCJ-108345)

• NCJ Number: 108346
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 3 pages
• Corporate Author: Abilene Police Dept
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Instructional Material
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: For microfiche, see NCJ-108345.

Annotation

These guidelines explain how police officers in Abilene, Texas, can substantially reduce or eliminate their chance of contracting acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or another contagious disease during the course of their work.

Abstract

Police officers who believe that they may have come into contact with a potential carrier of a contagious disease should immediately report that fact using form 271. They should wash their hands thoroughly after contact with a high-risk individual, use disposable plastic or rubber gloves during contact with contaminated articles or body fluids, and consider touching the clothing or property of high-risk subjects to be a contact. They should also report contact with high-risk subjects with persistent coughs. Syringes suspected of containing controlled substances should not be seized as evidence but should be placed in a container for destruction. Further guidelines for pregnant officers, for officer handling of sharp objects, for medical examinations, and for self-monitoring for symptoms. For related bulletins, see NCJ- 108345 and 108347.