Who Are the People That Clean Up Crime Scenes?
When a crime is committed, it’s not just the perpetrator and the victim that are affected. The scene of the crime itself also needs to be cleaned up and processed to ensure that any evidence is preserved and that the area is safe for investigation and future use. But who are the people that clean up crime scenes? In this article, we’ll delve into the roles and responsibilities of the professionals who handle this critical task.
Crime Scene Cleaners: The Unsung Heroes
Crime scene cleaners, also known as biohazard remediation technicians or forensic cleaners, are the professionals who are responsible for cleaning up crime scenes. These individuals work for specialized companies or law enforcement agencies, and their job is to ensure that the scene is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to prevent the spread of diseases and to preserve any potential evidence.
Types of Crime Scene Cleaners
There are different types of crime scene cleaners, including:
- Forensic Cleaners: These individuals specialize in cleaning up crime scenes that involve biological evidence, such as blood, tissue, or bodily fluids. They wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent exposure to potential contaminants.
- Trauma Cleaners: These cleaners specialize in cleaning up scenes that involve traumatic injuries or fatalities, such as accidents or violent crimes.
- Decontamination Technicians: These individuals are responsible for decontaminating crime scenes that have been contaminated with hazardous materials, such as chemicals or radiation.
Responsibilities of Crime Scene Cleaners
The responsibilities of crime scene cleaners include:
- Scene Preparation: Crime scene cleaners prepare the scene for cleaning by securing the area, removing any debris or obstacles, and setting up equipment.
- Cleaning and Disinfecting: They use specialized equipment and cleaning solutions to thoroughly clean and disinfect the scene, paying particular attention to any areas where evidence may be present.
- Removing Evidence: Crime scene cleaners are responsible for removing and packaging any evidence that may be present at the scene, including biological samples, clothing, and other materials.
- Disposing of Waste: They properly dispose of any waste generated during the cleaning process, including biohazardous materials.
- Decontamination: Crime scene cleaners decontaminate the scene and any equipment used during the cleaning process to prevent the spread of diseases.
Training and Certification
Crime scene cleaners undergo specialized training and certification to ensure that they have the skills and knowledge needed to effectively clean up crime scenes. Some of the certifications available to crime scene cleaners include:
- OSHA Certification: Crime scene cleaners must have an OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) certification, which ensures that they have the knowledge and skills needed to work safely in hazardous environments.
- Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Certification: Many crime scene cleaners have a HazMat certification, which allows them to work with hazardous materials and dispose of them properly.
- Forensic Cleaning Certification: Some crime scene cleaners have a forensic cleaning certification, which demonstrates their expertise in cleaning up crime scenes and preserving evidence.
Challenges Faced by Crime Scene Cleaners
Crime scene cleaners face several challenges on the job, including:
- Emotional Distress: Crime scene cleaners often work on scenes that involve traumatic events, which can be emotionally distressing.
- Physical Demands: Cleaning up crime scenes can be physically demanding, requiring crime scene cleaners to work in confined spaces, lift heavy equipment, and wear heavy PPE.
- Time Constraints: Crime scene cleaners often work under tight deadlines, as they need to complete the cleaning process before the scene is released back to the public.
- High-Stress Environment: Crime scene cleaners work in high-stress environments, where the slightest mistake can compromise the integrity of the investigation or put their own health and safety at risk.
Conclusion
Crime scene cleaners are the unsung heroes of the crime scene investigation process. They work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that crime scenes are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, and that any evidence is preserved and removed. While their work can be emotionally and physically demanding, it is essential to the success of crime investigations and the safety of the public.
