NCJ Number
142399
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 62 Issue: 5 Dated: (May 1993) Pages: 1-5
Date Published
1993
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article reports on the results of an FBI survey of all law enforcement agencies in the United States and its territories to determine if, and how often, police officers contracted the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or hepatitus B while performing their official duties.
Abstract
Of the seven police officers who acquired AIDS occupationally between 1981 and 1991, three absorbed infected blood through cuts, wounds, or scrapes on the skin; two from needle-stick injuries; one from a blood transfusion; and one in undescribed circumstances. A total of 31 officers acquired hepatitis B occupationally between 1981 and 1991: eight from absorbing infected blood through cuts, wounds, or scrapes on the skin; six from needle-stick injuries; six from being bitten by suspects; and 11 in undescribed circumstances. Overall, the results indicate that police officers have an extremely small chance of contracting any disease on the job, including hepatitis B and AIDS; they have a greater chance of contracting the hepatitis B virus than HIV. Vaccination can easily prevent infection from hepatitis B in most people. Also, as of March 6, 1992, the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that law enforcement agencies offer the vaccination against hepatitis B to all officers who may have contact with body fluids while on the job, at no expense to the officer. OSHA also requires that agencies provide safety equipment to all officers who may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens. 13 notes