Understanding Forensic Crime Scene Cleanup

What is forensic crime scene cleanup?

Forensic crime scene cleanup refers to the process of restoring a location where a crime, trauma, or death has occurred to a clean and safe condition. Trained professionals use specialized techniques and equipment to thoroughly sanitize affected areas and properly dispose of potentially hazardous materials.

Crime scenes, crashes, and unattended deaths can leave behind biohazardous substances such as blood, bodily fluids, and human tissue. Failure to thoroughly decontaminate these areas poses serious health risks to those who later encounter the scene. Additionally, the sight and smell of the aftermath can cause extreme distress.

Forensic cleanup experts take all necessary precautions to protect themselves and prevent cross-contamination while cleaning crime scenes. Their goal is to restore the space to a livable condition as quickly as possible while preserving any remaining forensic evidence.

Why is forensic cleanup important?

There are several crucial reasons why forensic crime scene and trauma cleanup is important:

• Prevents the spread of infectious diseases – Blood, bodily fluids, and other biological materials left at a crime or death scene can harbor dangerous pathogens like HIV, hepatitis, MRSA, and more. Proper cleanup neutralizes these biohazards.

• Avoids emotional trauma – No one should have to encounter the horrific aftermath of a homicide, suicide, or unattended death of a loved one. Crime scene cleanup allows survivors to mourn without visual triggers.

• Enables proper mourning – Seeing a cleaned and restored space can provide a sense of closure and allow the bereaved to fondly remember their loved one.

• Restores real estate value – Failure to thoroughly decontaminate a property after a crime or death could significantly diminish its value, ability to sell, and appeal to future inhabitants.

• Complies with regulations – Improper handling of blood or infectious materials violates OSHA and EPA rules. Certified companies prevent unlabeled biological waste from entering landfills.

Crime scene decomposition and hazards

When death occurs, the human body immediately begins to decompose. Within minutes, cells rupture and release enzymes that begin to liquify tissues. This creates a nutrient-rich environment for microbial growth.

Bacteria thrive on the dead tissue, ultimately leading to effects such as:

• Strong odors from released organic gases
• Blood pooling and coagulation
• Bodily fluid leakage
• Attraction of insects and scavengers

If a body is left undiscovered for days or weeks, more advanced decompositional changes occur:

• Purging of decomposition fluids
• Widespread mold growth
• Bloating and rupture of abdomen
• Skin slippage and body cavity rupture

Advanced decomposition requires extensive cleanup efforts to return a space to a livable condition. Attending personnel should always wear proper PPE when handling decomposed remains.

Trauma and crime scene hazards

Crime scenes and trauma sites where violent attacks, murders, or suicides have occurred present additional hazards beyond decompositional factors:

• Blood splatter containing pathogens
• Tissue from gunshot/stabbing wounds
• Brain matter and skull fragments
• Homicide cleanup chemicals the perpetrator may have used
• Corrosive bodily fluids from the bladder or stomach
• Latent fingerprint dust and luminol residue

Sharp debris, splintered wood, broken glass, and other hazardous materials are also frequently present. The emotional distress of encountering such a disturbing scene can be extremely traumatizing as well.

RESTORATION PROCESS

Initial site assessment and evaluation

Before cleanup begins, forensic technicians thoroughly assess the site’s layout and contamination levels. This involves identifying:

• Sources of blood or bodily fluids
• Areas of decomposition
• Trajectory patterns of blood spatter
• Presence of brain matter or human tissue
• Types of surfaces affected – porous vs nonporous

They use this information to determine PPE requirements, equipment needs, health risks, and proper biohazard disposal methods. Police are contacted if evidence collection is still needed.

Biohazard decontamination and sanitization

Next, restoration technicians begin the crucial process of neutralizing infectious materials and safely removing them from the environment.

• Nonporous surfaces are scrubbed with disinfectants, sanitizers, or enzyme cleaners.
• Absorbent materials like carpets, furniture, and drywall are saturated with disinfecting spray solutions.
• Affected porous materials are removed and properly disposed of.
• Air scrubbing equipment removes odors and sanitizes the ambient air.

Multiple rounds of decontamination and disinfection are performed to eliminate the biohazard threat.

Blood removal and odor mitigation

Effective blood removal is critical for both sanitization and aesthetics. Protein enzymes break down blood’s proteins to dissolve stubborn stains from flooring, walls, and other surfaces.

• Ozone treatment helps permanently destroy odors trapped in porous materials that standard cleaning cannot remove.
• Thermal fogging with deodorizers provides deep material penetration.
• Negative air pressure containment prevents odors from spreading outside the workspace.

These methods allow thorough odor and stain removal so no reminders linger.

Restorative repairs, reconstruction, and waste disposal

Finally, the space is restored to a livable condition:

• Damaged walls, floors, and furnishings are repaired or replaced.
• Fingerprint dust and lumimol residue are removed.
• Broken glass and sharp objects are properly disposed of.
• Biohazardous wastes are labeled and turned over to a medical waste processor.

Once this multifaceted restoration process is complete, survivors can continue utilizing the space without distressing reminders of the tragedy.

CHOOSING A CLEANUP COMPANY

It’s crucial to select a qualified, dedicated crime scene cleanup company rather than attempting restoration yourself. Look for these key traits:

• Industry training and certification – such as from the American Bio Recovery Association.
• Compliance with OSHA and EPA regulations.
• Specialization in crime scene cleaning – not just carpet cleaning or mold remediation.
• Biohazard waste removal and disposal experience.
• Respectful discretion – the work is treated with sensitivity.
• Available 24/7 – tragedy can strike at any time.

Reputable companies have the technical expertise, equipment, and waste permissions to properly restore safety and dignity.

THE HEALING PROCESS

Crime scene and trauma restoration allows survivors to grieve, process, and heal in the healthiest way possible. However, the emotional pain can still be profound. Seeking counselling, therapy, or support groups is highly advisable to cope with the psychological impact.

With time, compassion, and gradual acceptance, restoration of the living space facilitates restoration of the spirit. A cleaned environment provides the closure needed to mourn while still cherishing loving memories. Though scars remain, the space can become associated with life rather than death.