Medical Screening Manual for California Law Enforcement

• NCJ Number: 206817
• Author(s): R. Leonard Goldberg M.D.; Shelley Weiss Spilberg Ph.D.; Steven G. Weyers M.D.
• Date Published: December 2001
• Length: 333 pages
• Corporate Author: California Cmssn on Peace Officer Standards and Training
• Sale Source: NCJRS Photocopy Services; POST Media Distribution Ctr
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Report (Annual/Periodic)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This manual presents medical examination and evaluation protocols for candidates for the position of entry-level patrol officer in the State of California.

Abstract

The manual is intended to assist physicians and hiring authorities in terms of the medical screening process for police candidates. A section on background information explains the goals and objectives of the manual and the recent 2001 changes to California disability statutes. Section 1 presents guidelines for the medical evaluation and examination of the cardiovascular system. Six groups of disorders are listed that should be considered when evaluating the capability of a candidate to perform job requirements. Section 2 presents dermatological conditions of concern, including eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis, and their implications for job performance. General screening recommendations are offered. Section 3 presents a listing of endocrine conditions and considers their implication for job performance, including diabetes mellitus, parathyroid disorders, and adrenal disorders. Section 4 considers the implications of several gastrointestinal disorders on capability to perform job requirements and presents evaluation guidelines and recommended protocol. Section 5 outlines recommendations for the evaluation of hematology conditions that may impact job performance, including iron-deficiency anemia, Thalassemia, and bleeding disorders. Section 7 presents guidelines for the evaluation and examination of oncology-related conditions, while section 8 considers the implications of three infectious diseases to the job performance of a patrol officer that include HIV, Chronic Viral Hepatitis, and Tuberculosis. Section 9 presents guidelines for the examination and evaluation of musculoskeletal problems that may impact job performance, while the 10th section offers examination and evaluation protocol for neurological conditions, including cranial defects and primary headache disorders. Vision and Hearing guidelines are presented in sections 11 and 12; these sections include legal guidelines for vision screening, a listing of highlighted vision concerns, and a review of the importance of hearing to patrol officer duties. Figures, tables, appendix