NCJ Number
174634
Journal
Policing Volume: 21 Issue: 4 Dated: 1998 Pages: 648-665
Date Published
1998
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This article reports on a study that analyzed Texas peace officers' beliefs, perceptions and attitudes about HIV/AIDS in relation to performance of their law enforcement duties.
Abstract
The article attempts to illuminate the range of beliefs, perceptions and attitudes of law enforcement officers responsible for dealing with public health issues on a daily basis. Subjects (n=142) were asked to complete the Law Enforcement and AIDS Survey, a series of 54 questions in six specific areas: (1) subjects' primary sources of HIV/AIDS information and accuracy of their knowledge regarding major modes of exposure; (2) subjects' HIV/AIDS-related, profession-specific training and access to protective devices; (3) perceived adequacy of departmental policies guiding subjects' behavior in potentially infectious situations; (4) frequency of exposure to the virus, practical measures to diminish risk of contagion, and perceived levels of psychological concern; (5) subjects' personal history of HIV testing; and (6) changes in subjects' behaviors and perceived ethical responsibilities precipitated by fear of contagion. Tables, notes, references, bibliography