Crime Scene Cleanup: Here’s What You Need To Know

Crime scene cleanup involves the removal of hazardous materials from a location where a crime or other traumatic event has occurred. This can include cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, removing and disposing of items that have been contaminated, and taking steps to restore the location to a safe and sanitary condition.

What is considered to be a crime scene? 

A crime scene is any location where a crime has occurred or is suspected of having happened. Crime scenes can include the site of a physical altercation, where a crime has been witnessed, or where evidence of a crime has been found. Crime scenes can be indoors or outdoors and vary in size from a small room to an entire building or outdoor area.

Some common examples of crime scenes include:

• Homicides – The location where a murder has occurred is considered a crime scene.
• Robberies – The location where a theft has occurred, such as a store or bank, is considered a crime scene.
• Burglaries – The location where a burglary has occurred, such as a home or business, is considered a crime scene.
• Assaults – The location where an assault has occurred is considered a crime scene.
• Arson – The location where a fire has been intentionally set is considered a crime scene.

Crime scenes are typically cordoned off and secured by law enforcement to preserve any physical evidence that may be present. Only authorized personnel, such as law enforcement officers, crime scene investigators, and forensic experts, can enter the scene.

Now for the real question – How to clean a crime scene? Easy, leave it to professionals. Cleaning up a crime scene can be a dangerous and potentially hazardous job, as it often involves the removal of hazardous materials, such as blood and other bodily fluids. 

Here are some of the hazards and dangers involved in the cleanup of a crime scene: 

• Bloodborne pathogens – Blood and other bodily fluids may contain bloodborne pathogens, such as HIV and hepatitis, that can cause severe illness or disease if they come into contact with open cuts or mucous membranes.
• Chemical hazards – Some crime scenes may contain chemicals, such as cleaning agents or other hazardous substances, that can cause health problems if inhaled, ingested, or come into contact with the skin or eyes.
• Slip and fall hazards – Crime scenes may contain wet or slippery surfaces, increasing the risk of slips and falls. Not only can this result in injuries, but it can also contaminate the crime scene. 
• Structural hazards – Crime scenes may have structural damage, such as holes in walls or floors, which can create hazards for those working in the area. One wrong step can result in injury. 
• Emotional stress – Cleaning up a crime scene can be a traumatic experience, and professionals may experience emotional stress due to their work. Although it is not easy for anyone to experience a crime scene, it is especially traumatic for individuals who have some relation to the victims of the crime. 

These are only a few examples of why cleaning up a crime scene on your own is not a good idea. A professional will be trained to handle any of these situations. They will know how to recognize and avoid potential hazards. 

It is important to note that in order to clean crime scenes, you’ll need the appropriate training.  Cleanup should be performed by professionals with the proper knowledge, skills, and equipment to safely and effectively handle hazardous materials.

There are several reasons why it is important to leave crime scene clean up to professionals:

• Safety – Crime scene cleanup can be a dangerous and potentially hazardous job, as it often involves the removal of hazardous materials, such as blood and other bodily fluids. Professionals have the training and experience to handle these materials safely and protect themselves and others from potential risks.
• Expertise – Crime scene cleanup professionals have the knowledge and expertise to assess the scene and determine the appropriate action. They are trained to use specialized cleaning and disinfection products and techniques to effectively remove hazardous materials and restore the location to a safe and sanitary condition.
• Legal requirements – In some cases, crime scene cleanup may be subject to specific legal requirements, such as the proper disposal of hazardous materials. Professionals are familiar with these requirements and can ensure that the cleanup process complies with all relevant laws and regulations.
• Emotional support – Cleaning up a crime scene can be a traumatic experience, especially for individuals who were directly involved or affected by the crime or event. Professionals are trained to provide emotional support and can help individuals cope with the aftermath of a traumatic event.

This also ties back into some of the hazards of crime scene cleanup. Many people choose careers that can be emotionally draining and hard to deal with on a daily basis, such as first responders and healthcare professionals. Individuals involved in crime scene cleanup fall into that category as well. 

What is the typical process of crime scene cleanup? Usually, it involves the following steps:

• Assessment – The crime scene cleanup team will assess the location and determine the extent of the contamination and the appropriate course of action.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) – The team will don appropriate PPE, such as gloves, masks, and gowns, to protect themselves from any hazardous materials that may be present.
• Containment – The team will set up containment barriers to prevent the spread of contamination to other areas.
• Removal of hazardous materials – The team will carefully remove any hazardous materials, such as blood and bodily fluids, from the location using specialized cleaning and disinfection products.
• Decontamination – The team will decontaminate all surfaces that have come into contact with hazardous materials, including walls, floors, and furniture.
• Restoration – The team will repair any damage that the crime or event may have caused, such as holes in walls or broken windows, and return the location to a safe and sanitary condition.

By leaving crime scene clean up to professionals, you can ensure that the job is done safely, effectively, and in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. 

Having said that, if you require crime scene cleanup, Contact Total Flood & Fire Restoration today and let our trained professionals clean up the scene and make it a safe and comfortable environment after the scene has been sufficiently cleaned. Total Flood & Fire Restoration is available to help individuals in many cities in Utah. Call 801-560-9798 today.