NCJ Number
115274
Date Published
1988
Length
44 pages
Annotation
After presenting basic facts about AIDS, this guide recommends ways police officers can protect themselves against AIDS infection in the course of their duties.
Abstract
Information on AIDS covers the history of the virus, the AIDS causative agent and its possible origin, AIDS treatment, AIDS testing, body fluids which may contain the AIDS virus, the incidence of AIDS, and the transmission of the AIDS virus. The incidence of AIDS cases in the United States is also discussed along with survivability and disinfection of the AIDS virus. In discussing how police officers should deal with a suspect infected with the AIDS virus, the guide advises that most police agencies' existing policies and guidelines for dealing with infectious diseases apply to AIDS. In following such procedures, officers should assume that any person being arrested is potentially infectious. Practical advice for police officers covers situations where a suspect's saliva contacts an officer, an officer's hands contact a suspect's body fluid, and an officer is involved in a situation where a person's body fluids might be splashed into an officer's face, mouth, nose, or eyes. Other circumstances discussed are the threat of needlesticks and other injuries, testing officers who may have been exposed to the AIDS virus, and an officer's administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Remaining topics considered are the decontamination of clothing, squad cars, and personal equipment; officer safety in correctional facilities; crime scene precautions; laboratory matters; the handling of deceased persons; and AIDS training for police. Appended supplementary information, 48 references.