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Hepatitis and Law Enforcement

SJS
Hi Doc,

I have been diagnosed with Hepatitis B and taking epivir for about 6 months.  Before I found out that I had hbv, I was planning on joining the police dept.  My question-can I still try out for the police dept or will I be disqualified because of hepatitis?  Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Thx,

SJS
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Avatar universal
I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH HEPC 1A IN 2004 AFTER 13 YEARS WITH THE STATE OF GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS INTENSIVE PROBATION SUPERVISION PROGRAM, I HAD A PHYSICAL THAT WAS CLEAN BACK IN 91 AND HAVE WORKED IN CLOSE CONTACT WITH KNOWN HEP C CARRIERS. I ALWAYS FELT STRONG AS A BULL AND COULD DO WHAT THE JOB REQUIRED.24 HRS PER DAY RESIDENTAL AND FIELD CONTACTS UNANOUNCED MOST LY SEX OFFINDERS. THE STATE DENIED ME HELP SO MY COMPUTER HAS BEEN THE ONLY THING I CAN COUNT ON [ FINE PRINT WILL TELL YOU IF IT IS POSSIABLE FOR YOU TO BECOME ACTIVE AND NOT KNOW IT TILL IT HAS BEEN SPREAD THE LEGAL DEPT. WILL SAY THEY WILL GIVE YOU A JOB BUT WE HAVE TO THINK LIABELITY TO EMPLOYER IF THEY ARE AWARE. GOOD LUCK CHECK WITH RISK MANAGMENT IT THE PLACE YOU WANT TO WORK.
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Avatar universal
SJS
thx again for all the feedback.  im not sure if the virus is in remission or not, but currently getting treatment.
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Avatar universal
Hopefully this will be reassuring: http://tinyurl.com/9cg3a

I suggest you make your inquires anonymously or through a lawyer until you find out what the landscape is. Even if their policy says "no" it may not be legal but you have to get info first.

-- Jim
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Avatar universal
The police department CANNOT turn you away if you are "in Remission".  It is no different then a person who contacted HepB in  
nursing school then cannot be a nurse becuase their blood shows the
antibodies. That would be discrimination.. So, as long as yoiu are showing antibodies not an active virus you should be fine.  you may want to look at www.hepatitisneighborhood.com.  They have a bunch of resources like ask the nurse, dr chat etc.  they are really good at answering these typr of questions.

Hope that helps

Lisa
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Avatar universal
I would call the Police Academy and ask  what their policy is. I imagine every county is different as to what they would allow. Maybe they have a website that explains the criteria they follow and you won't have to call.  Public and health workers have to exercise universal precautions when dealing with the general public.
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Avatar universal
SJS,
Sorry I can't answer your question, and sorry to jump in with this. Good luck in getting answers.
Lauren

Kalio,
I just answered your question from a few days ago. Hope you see this.
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