Forensic Homicide Cleanup: Who Cleans up After a Homicide?
Who cleans up after a homicide? Forensic cleanup companies remove biological hazards caused by homicides and workplace accidents. These specialists, called bioremediation specialists or forensic cleaners, follow specific guidelines to remove safety hazards and offer emotional support during a difficult time. Forensic cleanup specialists also serve as a link to resources to help families recover from these incidents and conduct unattended death cleanup and job site reclamation after accidents.
Special Training Makes the Difference
Crime scene cleanup is not the core competency in which first responders – such as police officers and emergency medical technicians – receive training. As a result, the property owner or renter often tends to this matter. In addition to recovering crime scenes, forensic cleaning firms also remediate damage caused by workplace accidents. The service is beneficial, as the average person does not possess the equipment or skills to complete the job effectively. Contrary to the image presented by popular media, forensic cleaners also consider the emotional aspect of these occurrences and take precautions to maintain individual privacy. Forensic specialists receive training on the job and certification from the American Bio Recovery Association.
Emotion Is an Important Aspect
Professional crime cleaning companies understand that families want to recover their residence but may have difficulty dealing with the emotional aspect of cleaning up the scene. Hiring a third-party prevents loved ones from reliving the experience. These agencies also follow guidelines to protect privacy during these incidents.
Experiencing a loss due to crime is especially traumatizing, and loved ones experience a range of mixed emotions. It helps individuals to consult with others who are familiar with this experience. Removing all signs of the event is the first step that individuals can take to move past the incident. Additionally, some cleanup companies work with funeral directors and bereavement counselors to assist victims’ loved ones.
Forensic cleaners begin their work after all first responders have completed their job, efficiently and effectively sanitizing the affected areas. During their work, forensic cleaners also attend to the emotional needs of affected family members or associates present at the location.
The Importance of Cleanup
Crime scene remnants, such as blood, have more than an emotional impact; they present biological hazards that can cause illness in current or future occupants. The staff members undergo training to protect occupants and themselves from blood borne pathogens and chemical hazards, using tools such as:
- Protective clothing
- Cross contamination zones
- Sanitation chemicals
- Biohazardous material disposal equipment
This training and equipment makes professional forensic cleaning companies the best alternative to ensure that a habitat is safe.
Experienced Personnel Make a Difference
Forensic cleaning companies thoroughly investigate their employees and make sure that they can effectively work in the field. Before any work begins, the cleanup team assesses the location and reports what work they will complete. Forensic cleaning personnel realize that family members and friends experience suffering when a homicide occurs. While they work, these professionals discreetly and tactfully maintain individual privacy.
Some contaminants are not visible to the human eye. Duly, these specialists train to identify and remove microscopic biohazards. In a sense, forensic cleanup professionals act as second responders to these events by handling the secondary emergency needs of the residents and recovering the dwelling to a livable state.
Rarely, investigators may miss important evidence. A properly trained cleanup professional knows what to do when this happens.
Paying for Cleanup Services
When a homicide occurs, the property owner or heirs are responsible for recovering the domicile. Some insurance plans cover this expense. Additionally, federal victim advocacy organizations provide funds to assist with cleanup.
The Office of Victims of Crime guides families to local resources such as grants, therapy and legal aid. Communities that lack support in this regard can seek assistance from the National Center for Victims of Crime. Some municipalities provide online portals to make the application process easier for families. These organizations work to reduce the expenses incurred by the victims’ loved ones.
Protection from Unseen Hazards
When individuals do not handle blood cleanup properly, hazardous pathogens – such as Hepatitis B and C – can spread to others. Nurses, police officers, EMTs, occupants and even housekeepers are at increased risk for this kind of exposure. Pathogen exposure also threatens anyone who enters an environment where exposed blood is present. Because of this, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires organizations that employ personnel in these environments to follow specific guidelines.
Additionally, criminal investigative work can leave behind harmful chemicals. Professional cleaning companies identify and remediate these damages as well.
Heat Poses Additional Dangers
Extreme heat can result in unattended deaths, which present additional hazards in enclosed settings. In a hot environment, decomposition produces bacteria and odors, and even small amounts of blood can produce harmful bacteria. When left unnoticed, these bloodstains can cause structural damage as well. Crime cleanup companies know what tests and procedures to use for unattended death cleanup.
Crime scene cleanup specialists return homes and businesses to a functioning state after a crime, unattended death or accident. In addition to removing pathogen hazards, these professionals provide emotional support to the victims’ friends and families. Crime scene cleanup companies also serve as a connection to community resources and help individuals navigate through extremely difficult challenges.
We are Advanced Bio Treatment, and we care about the communities we serve. We want to help you protect yourself and those you love. Should you need our services, please call us at 800-295-1684. We give free quotes, provide emergency services, work with your insurance company, and respond 24/7/365.
Sources:
http://americanbiorecovery.org
https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=INTERPRETATIONS&p_id=25828