NCJ Number
114972
Journal
Delaware Police Journal Volume: 6 Issue: 2 Dated: (December 1988) Pages: 32-33
Date Published
1988
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This article instructs police officers about the disease and transmission of AIDS and suggests how Delaware police agencies should prepare their officers for dealing with AIDS in their work.
Abstract
AIDS destroys the immune system, but AIDS may be carried and transmitted by persons who have no symptoms of the disease. The AIDS virus is transmitted through exposure to blood, semen, or vaginal secretions from an infected person, primarily through sexual intercourse and needle sharing by intravenous drug abusers. Police officers can help prevent AIDS by advising at-risk persons on prevention measures. Every police department should have an AIDS training program for patrol officers, lockup staff, evidence technicians, laboratory staff, detectives, and other personnel. The training should cover basic information on AIDS and HIV infection and also address law enforcement issues and situations. In addition to training programs, police agencies should develop comprehensive AIDS policies regarding precautionary measures and protective equipment. The article describes resources for AIDS information.