NCJ Number
212228
Journal
Criminal Justice Review Volume: 29 Issue: 2 Dated: Autumn 2004 Pages: 341-357
Date Published
2004
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This paper presents results from a HIV/AIDS education needs assessment survey of correctional officers in four jails and two prisons in Florida to better understand correctional officers’ HIV/AIDS knowledge levels and education needs.
Abstract
Literature has well documented the need for HIV/AIDS education tailored to diverse groups and diverse workplace settings. Given the nature of the workplace of correctional officers (COs), it is imperative that a policy of HIV/AIDS education be in place. Today, these programs are almost universal in Federal and State prisons in the United States. However, studies have indicated a COs fear of being infected with HIV during a workplace incident. This paper presents results from a needs assessment survey administered in four county jails and two State prisons in Florida to determine HIV/AIDS knowledge levels and the education needs of COs. Based on State law requiring annual HIV/AIDS training for COs led to the hypothesis that State prison COs would have greater knowledge levels than jail COs who do not receive regular mandated training. Findings from the survey found relatively high levels of knowledge about HIV/AIDS among COS, regardless of exposure to formal HIV/AIDS education programs. Tables, references