National Perspective on Research and Policy Issues (From Law Enforcement and AIDS: Questions of Justice and Care, P 17-26, 1988, Gad J Bensinger and Cyprian Towe, eds. -- See NCJ-111758)

• NCJ Number: 111760
• Author(s): T Hammett
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 10 pages
• Sale Source: Loyola University of Chicago
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

While the number of cases of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in correctional institutions has sharply increased, to date there have been no cases reported among correctional staff, police, probation and parole officers, court officers, or emergency and public safety workers.

Abstract

Education and training must be the cornerstone of the law enforcement and criminal jutice response to AIDS. Such education and training must be timely, presented on a regular basis, keyed to specific law enforcement situations and concerns, and balanced. Important educational messages need to be conveyed about the level of risk of AIDS in such situations as human bites; spitting incidents; and contact with urine, blood, and other body fluids. In addition, clear and consistent policies and procedures must be developed for general precautionary measures and for situations involving contact with blood and body fluids, searches, and cardiopulmonary reuscitation. Finally, controversy exists about AIDS antibody testing in correctional institutions, in probation and parole, and in response to specific criminal justice incidents. In general, policies should be guided by applicable law.