NCJ Number
123846
Journal
Journal of Police Science and Administration Volume: 17 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1990) Pages: 12-19
Date Published
1990
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Because objects and conditions at crime scenes may provide an avenue for AIDS transmission and infection through abrasive, puncturing, or cutting action, this research investigated attitudes of crime scene investigators and evidence technicians toward the AIDS problem and its effect on their quality of work and personal safety.
Abstract
Questionnaires were sent to 176 members of the Michigan-Ontario Identification Association who were active in Michigan; 132 responded. The sample was predominantly married, white, and male, and subjects had been in law enforcement for an average of 19 years. About two-thirds of the sample indicated a need for more information about methods of dealing effectively with the AIDS problem. The more active members perceived a greater lack of department guidelines and tended to score higher on the AIDS-Worry scale. While most subjects wanted more positive action taken on a societal level, there was also significant support for more intense monitoring of individuals afflicted with the disease or at high risk of infection. Notwithstanding clear concerns for the AIDS problem and personal safety, most crime scene investigators and evidence technicians reported that their quality of work was not adversely affected. 16 references, 2 tables.