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Abstract
Understanding the Impact of HIV/AIDS in the South African Police Services (SAPS); the Case of Johannesburg policing area
T. Masuku
Centre for Study of Violence and Reconciliation, Criminal Justice Programme, Johannesburg, South Africa
Issues: What is the impact of HIV/AIDS on the delivery of policing services? Is the increase in the number of police officials dying of natural causes related to HIV/AIDS; Is the increase in police officials leaving on medical grounds HIV/AIDS related? Is the increase in absenteeism of police officials due to medical reasons? What has been the impact of the SAPS HIV/AIDS Strategy on police officials? To what extent are HIV positive police officials utilising SAPS support services? What other support systems are being utilised by HIV positive police officials and how can the SAPS provide further support.
Description: This study uses quantitative and qualitative methodologies to understand the phenomenon of HIV/AIDS in the SAPS. This study documents in detail the experiences of HIV positive police officials to understand how they are coping within the policing environment. The study further explores the general perceptions and attitudes of police officials towards HIV/AIDS and its impact on the delivery of services. It also explores the impact of the organisational strategy to support infected police members and to prevent new infections from occurring?
Lessons learned: Particular strengths and shortcomings noted in the following areas, HIV/AIDS education, awareness and prevention programmes; SAPS care and support systems for police officials living with the HIV virus; resource allocation; and HIV/AIDS policy and Implementation.
Recommendations: More can be done to de-stigmatise HIV/AIDS in the police to create an environment in which police officials can feel safe to disclose their HIV status and use available support systems. Record keeping is critical to acquire better quantitative and qualitative data for assessing the impact of the virus and the strategy within the organisation. Increase number of social workers working on HIV/AIDS programmes. Improve the resource allocation and budget management of the SAPS HIV/AIDS strategy and programmes
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