Determinants of perceived risk for HIV infection among police officers

Abstract

Police officers often come into contact with persons who are considered members of high risk groups for HIV infection, such as intravenous drug users and prostitutes. The present exploratory study employs field research methodology to observe patrol officers in their work settings in urban and rural locations to investigate contributing factors to their perceived risk of HIV infection. Four notable findings emerged. First, departmental training may not lower fear or perceived risk of HIV infection among police officers. Second, awareness of modes of transmission may increase perceived risk among officers but awareness of and access to protective measures may decrease fear and perceived risk. Third, access to protective measures is not always perceived as enough to ensure safety for officers who are faced with administering first aid to bleeding persons who may be HIV positive. Fourth, “street wisdom” may give police officers an illusion of safety.