INTRODUCTION
Being a police officer does not put one at
increased risk for contracting human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus
that causes AIDS. Increased risk comes
through needle sharing and certain sexual
behaviors, not through the performance of
one’s duties as a police officer.
AIDS is one of the most serious public
health problems in today’s society. Since
1981, when AIDS was first reported, about
1,129,127 cases have been diagnosed in
the U.S. Researchers estimate that about
1.2 million are currently living with HIV in
the country with about one-fifth that are
unaware of their infection. AIDS stands
for:
• Acquired – a disease you catch by
doing something.
• Immunodeficiency – a weakness in
the body’s defense system.
• Syndrome – a group of various related
illnesses.
TRANSMISSION
HIV is spread from one person to another
by sharing injecting drug needles or
through unprotected oral, vaginal, or anal
intercourse with an HIV infected person.
Direct contact with blood, semen, or
vaginal fluids is generally necessary to
transmit HIV. This includes exposure of
broken skin or mucous membranes to
blood or any blood by-product.
Transmission also occurs from an infected
mother to her infant before or during the
birth process or through breast milk.
Casual contact with HIV-infected persons
does not place others at risk for getting
the illness. Although a few cases have
been found where HIV has been
transmitted in household settings, the
situations have involved blood contact.
There is no risk at work, school, or at
home.
HIV infection cannot be spread by:
* Shaking hands
* Hugging
* Coughing
* Sneezing
* Handcuffing
* Social Kiss
* Swimming Pools
* Toilet Seats
* Food
* Riding in a car
* Insects
* Animals
* Cups
* Air
* Pens/Pencils
REMEMBER
Most people who are infected with HIV
have no symptoms and appear healthy.
Since you can never tell who may be
infected with HIV, you need to take the
same precautions with every person.
Law enforcement personnel need to be
careful when dealing with a bleeding
wound or injury, with semen or vaginal
fluids from a person who has been raped,
during the delivery of a baby, and with
used drug needles.
RISK BEHAVIORS
A person infected with HIV cannot infect
you by breathing or coughing on you.
People are more likely to become infected
if they:
PRECAUTIONS
• Have vaginal or anal sex without a
latex or polyurethane condom.
• Have oral sex without a condom or
other latex barrier.
• Share needles to inject drugs, body
pierce, or tattoo.
• Received HIV-infected Factor VIII
blood clotting products prior to April of
1985.
• Received an infected blood
transfusion prior to blood screening in
April 1985.
An important fact to remember is that HIV
is a blood-borne virus. There is no
evidence showing that HIV has been
transmitted through casual contact or
through the air.
In the absence of a cure or vaccine,
education is the key to prevention.
• It is important for law enforcement
personnel to promptly cover and
bandage all cuts, wounds, and
abrasions prior to performing other
duties.
• When performing a search of a
person, exercise caution to avoid
accidental needle stick injury. If a
needle stick occurs, wash site
thoroughly and immediately with soap
and water or 70% isopropyl alcohol.
Report the incident immediately.
Further medical follow-up may be
appropriate.
• Use disposable breathalyzer masks on
drunk driver suspects.*
• When responding to medical
emergencies where rescue breathing
is necessary, use medical oxygen, a
bag valve mask, or portable pocket
mask. Avoid mouth-to-mouth or
mouth-to-nose contact.*
• Wear disposable gloves to avoid
contact with blood, body fluids, and
discharges.
• Wear disposable gloves when
handling evidence contaminated with
blood or body fluids.
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke when
handling evidence.
• Do not pipette biological material by
mouth.
• Burn or chemically decontaminate all
biologic specimens.
• In the courtroom, whenever possible,
refer to biologically contaminated
evidence by photographs or in sealed,
clear plastic bags.
• If accidentally exposed to HIV, post
exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is
available. PEP provides antiviral
medications for a period of time after
exposure. PEP is most effective if
given within the first hour and no
longer than 72 hours after exposure.
IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT LAW
ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL
STRICTLY ADHERE TO THE
PRECAUTIONARY GUIDELINES AS
OUTLINED ABOVE
* HIV has been found in the saliva of
some HIV-infected patients; however
there is no known or suspected case of
HIV infection having been transmitted
through saliva. These precautions are
mentioned as good hygiene measures,
and are intended to reduce one’s risk of
becoming exposed to other infectious
agents including hepatitis B or
hepatitis C as blood may be present.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
The MAP AIDSLine offers statewide
information and services, including
prevention education, HIV risk
assessments, HIV testing, and referrals to
HIV testing sites, community resources,
and prevention programs. Call…
THE MINNESOTA AIDS PROJECT (MAP)
AIDSLine
METRO
(612) 373-AIDS
(612) 373-2465 TTY
STATEWIDE
1-800-248-AIDS
1-888-820-2437 TTY
http://www.mnaidsproject.org
_________________________________
Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention
and Control Division
STD and HIV Section
(651) 201-5414
http://www.health.state.mn.us/hiv
For more information about Sexually
Transmitted Diseases/Infections
(STDs/STIs), call the Minnesota Family
Planning and STD Hotline
1-800-78 FACTS Voice/TTY
(Telecommunication devices for the deaf)
(651) 645-9360 (Metro area)
http://www.sexualhealthmn.org
Based upon materials published by the New Jersey
Department of Health
Printed by the Minnesota Department of Health, 7/13
INFECTION CONTROL
PROCEDURES
HIV is a fragile virus outside the body.
The following procedures can reduce the
likelihood of transmission:
• Use disinfectants such as:
- 70% isopropyl alcohol
- one part bleach to ten parts water
- waterless soap
• Wash hands after contact with bodily
fluids with hot, soapy water.
• Clean and bandage all cuts and
abrasions.
• Body fluid spills should be wiped up
immediately and the surface area
should then be disinfected.
• Soiled clothing may be cleaned in hot,
soapy water or dry cleaned.
• Instruments, padding, helmets,
weapons, floors, vehicles and other
soiled items can be cleaned with soap
and water, while wearing disposable
latex gloves. Sterilize with
disinfectants like diluted bleach and
water (1:10 ratio) or rubbing alcohol.
• Dispose of used needles in punctureproof containers. Do not break or try
to re-cap a needle, as you may jab
yourself.
• Prepare a first aid kit for your vehicle
containing the following items:
- 70% isopropyl alcohol
- sterile wipes
- sterile gauze
- tape
- plastic sharps container
- latex gloves
- Zip lock plastic bags
FACTS
ON
AIDS
a law enforcement guide
_______________________
Minnesota Department of Health
Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division
STD and HIV Section
Freeman Office Building
Post Office Box 64975
St. Paul, MN 55164-0975
If you require this document in another format, such as large print,
Braille or cassette tape, call (651) 201-5414
IC#141-0425
July 2013
Infectious Disease Epidemiology,
Prevention and Control Division
STD and HIV Section