NCJ Number
145773
Journal
Police and Security News Volume: 9 Issue: 4 Dated: (July/August 1993) Pages: 8,40-48
Date Published
1993
Length
10 pages
Annotation
Police often use body armor and vehicle safety equipment but may not have adequate protection against the potential hazards of infectious diseases such as AIDS when investigating crime scenes and arresting suspects.
Abstract
Oleoresin capsicum aerosol allows police officers to physically control suspects with minimal personal contact and may be particularly effective if an uncooperative subject who is bleeding has a higher than normal propensity as an infectious disease carrier. Police officers must be alert to the dangers of infectious diseases when dealing with intravenous drug users because of the risk of AIDS transmission. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that law enforcement agencies develop a written, bloodborne pathogen exposure control program. OSHA standards are based on universal precautions established by the Center for Disease Control. Police officers must evaluate, select, and purchase infectious disease protective equipment, including cut and puncture resistant gloves, barriers for use when performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, devices to protect against blood and body fluids, and biohazard containers and bags. Available videos and texts for training police officers in how to prevent infectious diseases are noted, as well as sources of equipment and information.