Who Cleans Up Crime Scenes and Murder Scenes?

crime scene tape

Due to the popularity of television shows like CSI and Law and Order, the general public may think they have a clear understanding of what happens at a murder scene. First, law enforcement officials and crime scene personnel work together to secure the area and collect evidence. Then the scene is fingerprinted and the neighborhood is canvassed looking for anyone with information. However, one big question these shows tend to leave unanswered is who cleans up crime scenes after first responders leave? What you may not realize is that police and EMTs actually do NOT clean up the scene once the deceased is removed.

Because law enforcement officials and crime scene investigators do not have the knowledge or supplies needed to safely sanitize a crime scene, the responsibility of cleaning up after a murder is left to the family members and friends of the deceased. However, cleaning up after a friend or family member can be traumatic; it can even present health hazards if bloodborne pathogens or other bodily fluids are present. But they might not know where to turn if they aren’t up to the task. 

Crime scene cleaners (also known as bioremediation specialists and forensic cleaners) alleviate this burden by completely disinfecting the crime scene and providing professional and compassionate services to families dealing with the death of a loved one.

Why Proper Crime Scene Cleanup is Important

When you think of a murder scene, there’s probably one thing that comes to mind – blood. When a murder is committed inside someone’s home or place of business, the spilled blood can have detrimental effects on the building’s interior and can infect current and future occupants with certain bloodborne illnesses if not properly cleaned and disinfected. Biohazard remediation specialists are the best way to remediate the scene and ensure the space is safe for  families to occupy once more. Protecting people from infection and ridding the area of grisly reminders of a loved one’s death with professionalism and compassion are the #1 priorities for companies such as Aftermath Services.

Why should I hire a bioremediation company rather than clean the scene myself? Crime scene cleaners are skilled in removing harmful biological contaminants from homes and properties while fully protecting themselves and others from potentially life threatening infections. No matter who cleans up crime scenes, one thing is certain: special care and attention to detail needs to be a priority in order to protect everyone involved. Only a professional crime scene cleanup company has the training, personal protective equipment (PPE), and chemicals necessary to get the job done right. Aftermath Services even uses ATP testing in order to verify all harmful biological material is completely eradicated in every scene we’re called to.

How Crime Scene Professionals Work

  • Training. While there is no single agency that regulates training for biohazard remediation, crime scene technicians are trained and certified in bloodborne pathogen and chemical exposure. Aftermath’s technicians are also licensed to work in all 50 states and adhere to all local regulations.
  • PPE. All technicians wear personal protective equipment, including a double layer of gloves, respiratory gear, and biohazard suits designed specifically for bioremediation.
  • Cross contamination prevention. Technicians establish 3 zones (control zone, buffer zone, and clean zone) using plastic sheeting and bio-tape. This separates contaminated areas from other parts of the building.
  • Disinfection. Technicians carefully clean the area with proprietary cleaning agents and then test surfaces to detect if any living organisms have survived. Once the cleaning process is complete, they make sure ATP levels are at 0 before considering the scene “clean.”
  • Proper disposal of biohazardous material. Once the crime scene cleanup is complete, bioremediation specialists take all biohazardous materials (blood-soaked carpet, furniture, etc.) to an approved biohazard disposal site in specially marked biohazard containers.

Aftermath Services: Discreet, Professional and Compassionate Crime Scene Cleanup 24/7

At Aftermath Services , we understand that dealing with the death or serious injury of a loved one is one of the most difficult situations you will ever face. Mindful of the emotional trauma associated with a murder scene, our vehicles are discreetly marked to protect our customers’ confidentiality and privacy, and all of our employees go through a rigorous pre-employment process and training to ensure they know how to approach delicate situations with shocked and grieving family members.

Since 1996, Aftermath has provided compassionate and professional services to families dealing with the death of a loved one due to homicide, suicide, or serious accident. When choosing who will clean up the scene of a murder or other violent crime, go with the industry leader. Contact Aftermath today at 877-698-6169.

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