NCJ Number
139601
Journal
American Journal of Police Volume: 11 Issue: 2 Dated: (1992) Pages: 65-83
Date Published
1992
Length
19 pages
Annotation
Law enforcement officers in the Durham (N.C.) Sheriff's Department were surveyed to determine the relationship between their knowledge about AIDS and HIV infection, fears about contracting AIDS during their work, negative attitudes towards AIDS and people with AIDS, and negative attitudes toward police work.
Abstract
The researchers decided to select an agency without mandatory and routine training regarding AIDS to obtain a normal distribution of AIDS knowledge among the respondents. Data were gathered by means of a 41-item questionnaire. Sixty-eight of the 136 questionnaires were returned, for a 50-percent response rate. The sample included 59 males and 7 females. Results suggested that while many officers have an adequate understanding of AIDS, misconceptions surrounding the disease still persist. The most pronounced misconceptions concerned the probability of contracting the virus through routine occupational tasks and the exact methods and body fluids by which HIV is and is not transmitted. Findings also indicated that knowledge significantly impacts fear. Results indicated the need for all law enforcement agencies, regardless of size or the number of AIDS cases known in their jurisdiction, to implement a comprehensive AIDS education program for their staff. Such training can minimize or perhaps eliminate the irrational fears and prejudices that many officers now hold. Tables, appended instrument, and 29 references