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AIDS and Law Enforcement: Training Module 87-1

NCJ Number
133677
Author(s)
M Hering
Date Published
Unknown
Length
12 pages
Annotation
The goal of this training module, developed by the Prince George's County Police Department in Maryland, is to familiarize law enforcement personnel with AIDS as a health risk and to recommend measures for prevention and self-protection.
Abstract
After completing the module, the participant will be able to list ways that the AIDS virus can infect the human body, identify who is at risk for contracting the virus, differentiate between a blood-borne disease and a casually transmitted disease in relation to the AIDS virus, identify proper techniques for cleaning contaminated surfaces, and recognize the fact that AIDS can be contracted by heterosexual means and that the disease is not confined to the homosexual and intravenous drug communities. The module points out that everyone of every sex and race must be concerned about AIDS. Many people, however, are unnecessarily fearful. Research indicates that AIDS is contracted by intimate sexual contact with an infected person, contaminated blood directly introduced to the blood stream, and shared intravenous needles. Family members, friends, and coworkers of AIDS patients have not contracted the disease through normal daily contact, and there is absolutely no evidence to indicate that the virus is spread by casual contact. Routine handwashing, the use of disposable vinyl gloves, and the use of a 1:9 solution of bleach to water to disinfect soiled materials are suggested safeguards for routine police activities. 11 references and 1 figure