What is a crime scene cleaner called?

What is a Crime Scene Cleaner Called?

When it comes to the aftermath of a crime, there is a crucial step that requires specialized attention and expertise – cleaning and restoring the crime scene to its original state. This process is usually handled by professionals who go by different names, each with their own set of skills and responsibilities. In this article, we’ll explore what a crime scene cleaner is called, and the roles they play in ensuring justice is served.

Crime Scene Cleaner: A Profession with a Unique Name

A crime scene cleaner, also known as a forensic cleaner or biohazard cleaner, is a trained professional who specializes in the removal and disposal of biohazardous materials and bodily fluids from crime scenes. These individuals are typically employed by specialized companies or law enforcement agencies to mitigate the risks associated with contamination and to help investigators and forensic experts gather evidence.

Types of Crime Scene Cleaners

While crime scene cleaners may share a common goal, they may specialize in different areas. Here are some of the most common types of crime scene cleaners:

• Forensic Cleaner: This is the most common type of crime scene cleaner. Forensic cleaners are responsible for cleaning and restoring crime scenes to their original state, while also ensuring that they do not contaminate evidence or compromise the integrity of the investigation.
• Biohazard Cleaner: Biohazard cleaners specialize in the removal and disposal of biohazardous materials, such as bodily fluids, blood, and other potentially infectious substances.
• Trauma Cleaner: Trauma cleaners are trained to handle sensitive and traumatic scenes, including those involving death, sexual assault, or other violent crimes.
• Bloodstain Pattern Analyst (BPA): BPAs are trained to analyze and document bloodstain patterns at crime scenes, providing valuable evidence for investigators and forensic experts.

Roles and Responsibilities

Crime scene cleaners play a crucial role in the investigation and justice process. Here are some of the key roles and responsibilities they may undertake:

• Scene Preservation: Crime scene cleaners are responsible for preserving the crime scene, ensuring that evidence is not contaminated or compromised.
• Decontamination: They use specialized equipment and cleaning solutions to decontaminate surfaces, clothing, and other items at the crime scene.
• Evidence Collection: Crime scene cleaners may collect and package evidence, such as bodily fluids, hair samples, and other biological materials.
• Disinfection: They use disinfectants and other chemicals to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that may be present at the crime scene.
• Restoration: After the cleaning process is complete, crime scene cleaners work to restore the crime scene to its original state, ensuring that it is safe and secure for investigators, forensic experts, and others to access.

Certifications and Training

To become a crime scene cleaner, individuals typically undergo rigorous training and certification programs. Here are some of the most common certifications and training programs:

• OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) Training: Crime scene cleaners are trained to comply with OSHA regulations and guidelines for workplace safety and health.
• Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Training: They receive training on the safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials, including biohazardous substances.
• Bloodborne Pathogen Training: Crime scene cleaners are trained on the risks associated with exposure to bloodborne pathogens and how to minimize those risks.
• Certification Programs: There are various certification programs available for crime scene cleaners, including those offered by the International Association of Crime Scene Cleaners (IACSC) and the National Institute of Crime Scene Cleaners (NICSC).

Benefits of Hiring a Crime Scene Cleaner

Hiring a professional crime scene cleaner can provide numerous benefits, including:

• Preservation of Evidence: Crime scene cleaners ensure that evidence is not contaminated or compromised, which can be crucial in securing convictions.
• Reduced Risk of Transmission: By properly cleaning and disinfecting crime scenes, crime scene cleaners minimize the risk of transmission of infectious diseases.
• Expertise and Training: Professional crime scene cleaners have the expertise and training to handle even the most sensitive and traumatic scenes.
• Insurance and Liability Protection: By hiring a professional crime scene cleaner, law enforcement agencies and other organizations can mitigate their liability and insurance costs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, crime scene cleaners play a vital role in the investigation and justice process. With their specialized training and expertise, they are able to clean and restore crime scenes to their original state, while also ensuring that evidence is preserved and compromised. Whether you’re a law enforcement agency, forensic expert, or individual who has been affected by a crime, hiring a professional crime scene cleaner can provide peace of mind and confidence that the job is done correctly and efficiently.

Table: Types of Crime Scene Cleaners

Bullets: Roles and Responsibilities of Crime Scene Cleaners

• Scene preservation
• Decontamination
• Evidence collection
• Disinfection
• Restoration