Introduction
I am a certified crime scene cleaner with over 10 years of experience in forensic and biohazard cleaning. Cleaning up after a homicide, suicide, or unattended death is extremely difficult work, both emotionally and physically. However, proper crime scene cleanup is crucial for the safety of the community. In this article, I will provide an in-depth look at crime scene cleaning protocols, examining forensic procedures, biohazard remediation, and the emotional toll this work can take.
Forensic Procedures
Before a crime scene can be cleaned, certain forensic procedures must take place. As a crime scene cleaner, I never touch or move anything at a scene until law enforcement has finished processing evidence. This includes:
Documenting the Scene
Police will thoroughly photograph and document the scene before any cleaning can begin. This provides a visual record of where evidence was found. As a cleaner, I need to be extremely careful not to disturb or destroy any potential evidence.
Collecting Evidence
Officers will collect all relevant evidence from the scene, including weapons, fingerprints, DNA, blood splatter patterns, and more. I must wait until all evidence collection is complete before starting cleaning protocols.
Completing Autopsies
If the scene involves a homicide or questionable death, the medical examiner will complete an autopsy on the victim(s). I cannot begin cleaning until the bodies have been removed by the coroner’s office.
Biohazard Remediation
Once forensics is complete, I begin remediating biohazards using strict protocols. This involves:
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
I wear a hazmat suit, goggles, thick gloves, and an N95 respirator mask for every crime scene cleaning. Exposure risks include bloodborne pathogens, bacteria, viruses, and hazardous chemicals.
Removing Physical Contaminants
Using professional disinfectants, I scrub down all surfaces and remove blood, body fluids, human tissue, brain matter, and other contaminants. This includes walls, floors, furniture, mattresses, and any other affected areas. Materials with heavy amounts of contamination are bagged and disposed of properly.
Trauma Cleaning
For traumatic deaths involving gunshots or explosions, further remediation is required. I use enzymes, chemicals, and professional trauma cleaning tools to remove pieces of bone, human matter, and blood residue from walls and other surfaces. This meticulous cleaning removes all remaining biohazards.
Air Duct and Ventilation Cleaning
Airborne pathogens can spread through ventilation systems. I scrub and disinfect air vents and ducts throughout the property to eliminate any lingering bacteria or viruses. Negative air machines help remove contaminants from the air during cleaning.
Odor Removal
Crime scenes often have a strong, unpleasant odor caused by decomposing matter. To get rid of these odors, I apply professional deodorizers and odor counteractants to carpets, walls, furniture, and HVAC systems. Ozone machines also help remove lingering odors after cleaning.
The Emotional Toll
While the cleaning process is methodical, dealing with the aftermath of a crime scene can take a psychological toll. As a cleaner, I have seen things that give me nightmares and make me fear for our society. However, I power through the difficult moments by:
- Remembering that I am helping bring peace and closure to the victim’s loved ones
- Trusting in the forensic and cleaning protocols I follow
- Speaking with counselors about traumatic scenes I’ve witnessed
- Leaning on coworkers who truly understand what this work is like
Though challenging, cleansing crime scenes of biohazards and restoring safety to the community makes the emotional struggle worth it. With proper protocols and support, we can get through even the most difficult jobs.
Conclusion
Crime scene cleaning requires an understanding of forensic procedures, bloodborne pathogen remediation, trauma cleaning, and the emotional impact of this line of work. By following strict protocols and utilizing professional-grade disinfectants, PPE, and cleaning tools, crime scene cleaners can effectively eliminate biohazards and restore properties after tragic events. With compassion and care for the victims, cleaners provide critical closure and safety to affected communities.
