Crime Scene Cleaning

When a crime is committed, forensic investigators come in, survey the scene, collect the evidence they need, and then depart. Any bodies are, of course, removed. Crime, especially murder , suicide or robbery, is a messy business and the scene may be left in a state of some disarray. The next stage is crime scene cleaning, restoring the premises to the state they were in before the crime was committed. The police do not carry out crime scene cleaning. The job is usually assigned to a specialist technical company.

Crime scene cleaning is a specialized job employing highly trained technicians. First, the cleaners inspect the scene and make a written proposal of what needs to be done. Biohazardous waste, including blood , bodily excretions, and human tissue, is often present even after the forensic investigators have taken their samples. The technicians, dressed in surgical gloves and thick protective jumpsuits, will collect this waste, package it up, and have it disposed of through a licensed waste company. They also take up and remove soiled or stained material such as carpets and curtains. Cleaning companies follow guidelines issued by the health authorities for handling and disposing of biohazardous waste.

The site is then cleaned, disinfected and deodorized. This is particularly important if bodies have lain at the scene for some time. If there is structural damage, through breaking and entering for instance, the cleaners can repair, restore, and repaint. The technicians are also trained to preserve the scene should they discover additional evidence during their clean up.

There is a human side to this work too. Knowing they are not responsible for cleaning up the scene of a crime is important to a victim's relatives. A good clean up company will do the work for them in a safe and discreet manner. They will also be able to help the victims with work on any insurance claims arising from the damage done by the crime. At a time of distress this kind of support is often appreciated. Crime scene clean up may be an unpleasant job, but the people who are prepared to take it on do a valuable job for both the police and the victims of crime.

see also Crime scene investigation.