Crime Scene Cleanup: Everything You Need to Know
Crime scene cleanup is a necessary, but often overlooked, profession. When a crime occurs, the area needs to be cleaned and restored so that people can return to their normal lives.
This process can be difficult and emotionally taxing, but it is important for the safety of the community. In this guide, we will discuss the process of crime scene cleanup, and what you can expect if you need this service.
Need help now? Get a risk free estimate from one of our biohazard cleanup specialists near you.
What is a Crime Scene Cleanup?
A crime scene cleanup is the process of cleaning and restoring a property after a crime has occurred. This can include cleaning up blood, removing evidence, and decontaminating the area.
This process is important for two reasons: to return the property to its original condition, and to prevent the spread of disease. Blood and other bodily fluids can contain harmful bacteria and viruses, so it is important to remove them as quickly as possible.
Types of Cleanups
There are two types of crime scene cleanups: biohazardous and non-biohazardous.
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Biohazardous cleanups
Biohazard cleanup typically involves the removal of blood, bodily fluids, and other potentially infectious materials. These cleanups require special training and equipment to ensure the safety of the workers and the community. Here you can learn more about the cost of biohazard cleanup.
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Non-biohazardous cleanups
This type of crime scene cleanup is typically less dangerous, but can still be physically and emotionally taxing. These cleanups may involve the removal of evidence, cleaning up blood, or decontaminating the area.
The Process of Cleaning Up a Crime Scene
Cleaning up a crime scene is not as simple as just washing away the blood. There are specific protocols and procedures that need to be followed in order to ensure that the scene is properly cleaned and that all evidence is preserved.
Crime scene cleaning should always be performed by trained professionals. There are many options when it comes to crime scene cleaners. Here is a step-by-step guide for what to expect from the crime scene cleanup process:
Step 1 - Secure the scene
This means making sure that no one else has access to the area, and that it is properly cordoned off. Once the scene is secured, the next step is to assess the situation. This involves taking a look at the type of crime that was committed, the amount of blood present, and the size of the area that needs to be cleaned.
Step 2 - Remove the bodies
This is one of the most important steps in the process, as it helps prevent cross-contamination. The bodies will be removed by a team of trained professionals who will take all necessary precautions to ensure that the scene is not contaminated.
Step 3 - The right supplies for crime scene cleanup
Before any cleaning can take place, the right supplies need to be brought in. This includes:
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - This is to protect the cleaners from any hazardous materials that might be present at the scene.
- Cleaning supplies - These will be used to clean up the blood and other debris that are present.
- Deodorizing supplies - This helps remove any unpleasant smells that might be present.
- Disinfectants - These are used to kill any bacteria or viruses that may have been left behind at the crime scene.
- Waste disposal bags - These are used to dispose of any hazardous materials that have been removed from the scene.
Step 4 - Clean the area
The next step is to actually start cleaning. This involves cleaning all of the crime scene blood and other bodily fluids, as well as any other debris. All of this needs to be done in a very specific way so as not to damage any evidence that may be present. There are also special techniques for removing blood stains from fabric.
Step 5 - Preserve the evidence
Once the area has been cleaned, the next step is to preserve any evidence that was found. This includes things like bloodstains, fingerprints, and other types of forensic evidence. This evidence will then be sent to a laboratory for further analysis.
Step 6 - Disinfect the area
Disinfecting the area is important in order to prevent any diseases from spreading. This is prioritized first in the order of operations because health and safety is always paramount.
Step 7 - Deodorizing supplies
Once the crime scene has been disinfected, the next step is to remove any unpleasant odor that may be pervading the area. Deodorizing the scene is important to help remove any unpleasant smells that might be present. This can be done with a variety of different products, such as air fresheners and scented candles.
Step 8 - Final touches
Once all of the above steps have been completed, the scene will then be ready for the final touches. This includes things like putting up crime scene tape, and removing any personal belongings that may have been left behind.
Cleaning up a crime scene is a very delicate process that needs to be done with care. It is important to follow all of the steps in order to ensure that the scene is properly cleaned, and that all evidence is preserved.
What are the Crime Scene Cleanup Training and Background Requirements?
In most states, becoming a crime scene cleaner does not require any formal education or training. However, some companies may require their employees to have a high school diploma or GED.
Here are some other skills and qualities that would be helpful for someone looking to enter this field:
- A strong stomach - This is perhaps the most important requirement for crime scene cleaners. The job can be very gruesome, and involves dealing with blood, bodily fluids, and other types of debris.
- A keen eye for detail - Crime scene cleaners need to be able to identify all evidence, and ensure that it is properly preserved.
- Physical strength - The job can be physically demanding, as it often involves lifting heavy objects and cleaning large areas.
- A good work ethic - Crime scene cleaners need to be able to work long hours, often in difficult and challenging conditions.
- Integrity - Crime scene cleaners need to be honest and trustworthy, as they will often be working with sensitive information.
- Commitment - Crime scene cleaners need to be dedicated to their job, and be able to work under pressure.
- Training - While not required in all states, some companies may require their employees to complete a crime scene cleanup training course.
- Compassion - Crime scene cleaners need to be able to empathize with the families of the victims, and show compassion for their loss. This is important because the places you will likely have to clean may be someone’s home, and the purpose of your job isn’t just to secure evidence, it is also to make said homes liveable once more.
If you possess all of the above qualities, then you may have what it takes to become a crime scene cleaner. So, if you’re looking for a job that is both challenging and rewarding, then this may be the perfect career for you.
What are the Dangers of Improper Crime Scene Clean Up?
The dangers and several health risks of improper crime scene clean-up are vast in number. Here are just a few:
The spread of disease
This is perhaps the most dangerous consequence of improper crime scene clean-up. Blood and other bodily fluids can contain deadly diseases, such as hepatitis and HIV.
If these fluids are not properly cleaned up, then they can spread disease to anyone who comes in contact with them.
The destruction of evidence
Improper crime scene clean-up can also lead to the destruction of evidence. This is a major problem, as it can make it more difficult for investigators to solve crimes or for attorneys to get convictions.
It’s also possible that the destruction of evidence could lead to the wrong person being convicted of a crime. It is important to wait to clean up the crime scene until after the scene has been fully reviewed and released by all necessary authorities.
The creation of health hazards
If the scene is not cleaned properly, it could create health hazards for those who come in contact with it.
This is especially true if there are hazardous materials present, such as chemicals or asbestos. Hazardous waste needs to be properly disposed of in order to avoid creating health hazards.
The danger of emotional distress
It could cause emotional distress to those who come in contact with it. This is especially true if the scene is of a violent or traumatic nature, so you’ll need to be thorough so as not to cause any undue stress or suffering.
Permanent property damage
Permanent property damage is another possibility if the scene is not cleaned properly. This is because some cleaners use harsh chemicals that can damage surfaces.
Unpleasant odors
Blood, bodily tissues, and biohazards can all cause unpleasant odors that can linger long after the scene has been cleaned.
So, if you’re not properly prepared, the smell could be overwhelming, and it can cause nausea and vomiting.
These are just a few of the dangers of improper crime scene clean-up. As you can see, it’s very important that the scene is cleaned properly in order to avoid these dangers.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do violent crimes require special crime scene cleanup services?
Yes, violent crimes often require special crime scene cleanup services. This is because they can be very bloody, and there may be a lot of evidence to collect.
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What are potentially dangerous substances at a crime scene?
There are many potentially dangerous substances at a crime scene, including blood, bodily fluids, chemicals, and asbestos.
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How long does it take to clean up a crime scene?
It depends on the size of the scene, and the amount of evidence to be collected. However, it usually takes several hours or days to clean up a crime scene.
Crime scene cleanup is a difficult and challenging job that is not for everyone. However, if you think you have what it takes, then be sure to research the requirements in your state, and look for a crime scene cleanup company that is hiring.
Remember, the job can be very dangerous, and it is important to be properly trained before attempting to clean up crime scenes.
Need help now? Get a risk free estimate from one of our biohazard cleanup specialists near you.