NCJ Number
113469
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Dated: (July/August 1988) Pages: 11-13,54-57
Date Published
1988
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article focuses on how the police department in Appleton, Wisconsin, investigated the suicide of a woman infected with AIDS, and how practical health programs were implemented by management.
Abstract
The author examines the myths and facts of the disease and explains how the police department implemented the program to protect the individual officers' health. In order to gain knowledge about the medical and legal implications of AIDS, a police supervisor attended a conference with focused on the dangers presented by the disease and precautions and safeguards for public safety personnel. Steps developed to provide a measure of safety for the Appleton street officers were based on information gathered at the conference and later from local medical and health officials. Specifically, training was developed for all department sworn and non-sworn personnel. The training consisted of (1) a pre-test, designed to reinforce the basic facts presented during the training; (2) general information about the AIDS virus; (3) specific guidelines to deal with potential AIDS carriers; and (4) recommended actions to take with contaminated evidence. A post-test was implemented to ensure that the material presented was heard and comprehended. In addition, the Appleton agency purchased protective gloves; antiseptic, nonpermeable mouth mask; clear goggles; ziplock bags; and a disinfectant spray call Amphyl. The procedures used by the department to develop a policy for handling several types of infectious illnesses is discussed, and a number of recommendations for implementing protective measures are listed.