becoming a cop if you have hepatitis c?

Can you become a police officer in kentucky or anywhere if you are infected with hepatitis c?

[HectorSF]

Police officers are "emergency workers". Like nurses and other first responders. It is not uncommon for officers to come in contact with blood when performing their work. I have seen many police officers here in San Francisco wearing gloves.

I would think it would be discriminatory to not allow someone to become an officer due to hepatitis status as it would with other diseases. Many currently working officers surely have hepatitis C. There are part of the population as is any else plus their work exposes them to many dangers not just hepatitis C.

Perhaps some else can give you the definitive answer?

Good luck.
Hector

[curiouslady1]

I had a government security job and applied knowing I had HepC because of the health benefits.  Mostly they are concerned about whether you can pass a drug test and whether you have TB.  HepC shouldn't get in the way of your job so there is no reason to discriminate against you for it like there is for other conditions (some people take legal marijuana for their fibromyalgia and this would be a deal breaker).  HR cannot share this information with the supervisors either.  I don't think the pre-employment physical even gets into it as a matter of fact.  I did not tell anyone at work and I worked 20+ years for the government without having to use my FMLA (I chose not to treat and was lucky cuz no progression).  I would highly encourage you to tell no one.  Corrections and PS people may not be as open minded as you would like and you could be ostracized.  

[coo19]

Hi, I live in Kentucky and you can have Hepatitis C and become a police officer, Nurse, EMT or any other job you want to have. They are not so much concerned if you have it more so with you becoming infected by someone else and they teach you how to protect yourself which in turn protects others from your own blood. The main thing they will look at is a drug screen for opiates, THC, Meth, cocaine etc. Some positions may also require a psychological evaluation but that is up to the company hiring you and what position you are applying for. Hope this helps!

Rachel

[Mary4now]

My monitor during my drug study for hep c has HIV and he is a paramedic,  He applies the universal precautions to protect himself and others.  that is the way to go, because you never know whats lurking out there.  
Good luck
mary