NCJ Number
176733
Journal
American Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 23 Issue: 1 Dated: Fall 1998 Pages: 33-58
Date Published
1998
Length
26 pages
Annotation
This article draws from both the policing and epidemiological literatures to examine police officers' fear and risk of occupational HIV transmission and individual and departmental responses to this fear.
Abstract
Although police officers can be exposed to HIV by coming into contact with blood or other body fluids at a crime scene or by being injured by a needle prick or other sharp object during a search, their exposure to AIDS/HIV is not routine. No studies have systematically and comprehensively evaluated the risk of police officers who come in direct contact with persons infected with HIV; however, studies of health care workers provide some information on the probability of transmission through various exposure routes. The two main routes of occupational transmission are those involving exposure through either a prick or cut with a contaminated object, or through nonintact skin or mucous membranes. Although the estimated transmission risk for both routes of exposure is extremely low, with infection occurring in fewer than one-third of all cases, several factors influence the transmission risk of a specific exposure event. As of July 1997, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Business and Labor Resource Service had no confirmed cases of a police or correctional officer whose workplace exposure resulted in HIV infection. Some level of fear and danger of contracting AIDS among police officers may be useful, because it motivates officers to take the necessary precautions and to remain vigilant to potential risks. High and unwarranted levels of fear, however, have been associated with stress and emotional exhaustion, which can compromise a person's ability to do his/her job. Further, fear may result in discriminatory treatment of suspects, offenders, and even fellow officers known or suspected to have HIV. This discussion emphasizes the important roles that policy and education play in reducing fear and risk of HIV/AIDS among police officers and in ensuring the compassionate and fair treatment of people with HIV/AIDS. 59 references