Precautionary Measures and Protective Equipment: Developing a Reasonable Response

• NCJ Number: 108619
• Author(s): T H Hammett
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 4 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Justice NIJ Pub
• Corporate Author: National Institute of Justice (NIJ)
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Report (Technical Assistance)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: National Institute of Justice AIDS Bulletin, February 1988

Annotation

These guidelines outline precautionary measures and protective equipment that should be used by criminal justice personnel who are at risk of coming into contact with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Abstract

Agencies should develop and enforce appropriate written AIDS policies and procedures and should provide quality education and training about AIDS for all staff. They should follow the guidelines developed by the Centers for Disease Control for prevention of HIV transmission in the workplace. They should also use specific precautionary measures tailored to the following incidents and situations: human bites, searches and evidence handling, laboratory analysis of evidence, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and body removal. Although the risk of becoming infected with HIV in the course of normal law enforcement duties is extremely low, personnel should systematically and consistently use precautions to minimize the risks. Lists of specific precautions and 5 notes.