Gloves

[dumper]

I've seen some types of gloves advertised for LE claiming to reduce cut/needle-stick to differing degrees.
Does anyone have any experience with any of these types of gloves, and if so are they of any real value? (I understand no glove can fully prevent it) if so what type do you use if any?
Thanks
Dumper

[mdb23]

Personally, I use a pair of Mizuno batting gloves.

The problems with the gloves you mentioned are:

1. Cost

2. Loss of dexterity and sensitivity when conducting frisks. I've worn cut/puncture resistant gloves during frisks, and I can't tell a cigarette lighter from a knife from a who knows what when wearing them.

3. No matter what type of glove you have, if you get blood on it, YOU MUST THROW IT AWAY! There is no safe and effective way to remove blood from leather, and wearing contaminated gloves is a good way to contract hep. This can get expensive when you are talking about puncture resistant gloves that run $40.00 a pair.

Just one opinion,

mdb23

[This message has been edited by mdb23 (edited 11-16-2000).]

[jnc36rcpd]

Your best bet for a thorough search is thick rubber gloves, a small flashlight, and an abundence of caution. I would not trust any glove to protect me from a needle stick.

Some of the "search gloves" might protect one from an edged weapons if you have to quickly frisk someone, but they are not dependable against puncture. As mdb23 pointed out, you'll have to destroy your expensive search gloves if you get blood or another biohazard on them.

This is one of the few times issue equipment is better than what you purchase. Be safe.

[Skip]

Health and safety is very big here.

Prevention is better than cure, go to your doctor and get a jab against Hep A, B and C.

I got a number of those gloves tested here in the UK by various police forces, and the answer was basicially - the loss of dexterity reduced the need for the glove.

Whats the point of being protected, if you can't find what your looking for - or worse if every small item feels the same. You end up looking like a D!ck.

With that - the best bet is (I agree) copious amounts of caution and commonn sence.

[WS-G]

Skip's advice is spot-on: get vaccinated!

And never ever run your fingers into/over anything you haven't already looked at. Keep in mind the old fighter pilots' advice about surface-to-air missiles: it's the one you don't see that'll get you.

[dsumner]

We use kevlar reinforced leather gloves for searches, plus I usually use a thick pair of non powder surgical gloves.

nothing I enjoy more than having one of our really "healthy" inmates discharging some type of bodily fluid onto me.

[Erick]

Aside from all of the vaccinations possible & the nomex tanker gloves (the leather is thicker), I use this:
"Sir / Ma'am, do you anything on you or in _____ that could cut or stick me? You realize what could happen if you lie?"

Haven't been stuck yet & they've always told me.