NCJ Number
147533
Journal
Public Administration Review Volume: 54 Issue: 1 Dated: (January/February 1994) Pages: 31-35
Date Published
1994
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The author argues that new corrections policy initiatives are needed to reduce the danger of exposure to tuberculosis (TB) by HIV-infected inmates.
Abstract
Such initiatives would pay off both medically and fiscally. If not undertaken voluntarily by corrections systems, more costly policy changes will be forced by the courts. Using the New York City system as an example, the author outlines the current HIV and TB crisis in correctional facilities, and offers the following recommendations: 1) Because currently, voluntary HIV testing identifies only 6 percent of seropositive inmates, incentives should be developed, such as counseling and referral services, and strong guarantees of confidentiality; 2) Nonviolent drug offenders would be more appropriately served at a residential drug treatment facility, with no increased risk to the public; 3) The link between HIV infection and unprotected sex, which is common in jails, warrants initiatives in education and condom distribution; and 4) Special housing policies should be developed for HIV- infected inmates. 1 endnote, 23 references