Crime scene cleaners clean up after a crime, accident, or unattended death has occurred. It can be a difficult job, but also rewarding since it can reduce the burden on the victim's family.
To become a crime scene cleaner, you'll need to undergo certain training. You may also want to consider certification. We've broken down everything you need to know below.
What Is a Crime Scene Cleaner?
A crime scene cleaner is a type of cleaning specialist who cleans up crime scenes after the scenes have been cleared by law enforcement.
Crime scene cleaners are different from normal cleaners because they are required to handle biological materials like blood and body tissues.
They need special knowledge to clean these things and may also need specific cleaning products or tools. Crime scene cleaners must also know how to dispose of biological waste.
Types of Crime Scenes to Clean
Crime scene cleaners typically work in homes or businesses where a crime or an event resulting in a biohazardous environment has occurred.
Accidents and Injuries
Accidents and injuries severe enough to require specialty cleaning are more common in the workplace, but they can happen at home as well.
In the case of an accident or injury, cleaners will likely be called in to clean up blood and other biological materials.
For workplace accidents, they may need to work with employees to safely clean equipment that may have been contaminated.
Assault, Murder, and Suicide
Assault, murder, and suicide can be difficult scenes to work in. The cleaners may be working with grieving family members or significant evidence of violence.
Blood is extremely common with these types of sites. For example, they may be cleaning blood splatter off the walls or a pool of blood out of the carpet.
They may also be dealing with body tissues which can be difficult to stomach.
Tear Gas Cleanup
Tear gas is used by law enforcement as an attempt to control or subdue citizens in a particular situation. Though it's often used outdoors, it can be used indoors as well.
Despite the name, tear gas is usually a liquid, and it can leave a residue over everything it touches. This can be difficult to clean up and require special chemicals or tools.
Unattended Death
Unattended death means that someone died alone. When crime scene cleaners are brought in, it's usually because no one discovered the body right away.
When that happens, the body can begin to decompose, leaving behind fluids that need special cleaning.
These scenes can also attract insects, which may result in flies and maggots that need to be removed as well.
Unattended death cleanup can be some of the more difficult scenes to clean up because they often smell very strongly and are hard to stomach.
There isn't one specific path to becoming a crime scene cleaner, but there are a few things you can do to help you land a job. We've broken these down into steps below.
Step 1: Determine if Being a Crime Scene Cleaner Is Right for You
Not everyone is cut out for a job as a crime scene cleaner. There are a few things to consider before you decide on this career path.
First, crime scene cleaners need to have a strong stomach and be able to handle scenes that may be disgusting and depressing. The scenes may smell horrible.
Crime scene cleaners also need to work with cleaning chemicals that may also have a strong smell. Someone who gets nauseated or gets headaches from these products may not be a good candidate.
There are also physical requirements for crime scene cleaners. They may be required to bend down, lift objects, and use a lot of elbow grease to get the scenes clean and sanitized.
If you feel you can handle these things, you can look into education and training.
Step 2: Education and Training
There are no specific educational requirements to become a crime scene cleaner, although generally you'll need a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
If you already plan to go to college, a degree in biological sciences or occupational health and safety are good options for crime scene cleaners.
Often, crime scene cleaning companies offer training to new hires. This often includes training before working in the field as well as on-the-job training.
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) requires that any employee that has the potential to come into contact with bloodborne pathogens take specific training.
This includes training in bloodborne pathogens as well as training on personal protective equipment (PPE).
Your employer may also require you to be trained in OSHA's Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER).
You can find HAZWOPER training independently, but your employer may also arrange training for you.
Note that OSHA does not recommend, approve, certify, or endorse any specific HAZWOPER training programs.
Step 3: Consider Certification
Certification isn't a requirement for crime scene cleaners, but it can help you obtain a job or get a promotion. There are a few different certification options for crime scene and biohazard cleaners.
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) offers a Trauma and Crime Scene Technician (TCST) certification.
Students take courses and an exam either in-person or via a live stream. There are no prerequisites to this certification program.
The International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association (IJCSA) offers a Biohazard Cleaning Certification (BCC).
This is an advanced-level certification that requires you to have already been certified in five areas through the IJCSA. These are:
- Bloodborne Pathogens Certification
- Carpet Cleaning Certification
- Chemical Hazards Certification
- Customer Service Certification
- Mold Inspection and Remediation Certification
All of the above certifications are good to have if you're going to be working in crime scene cleaning.
Become a Crime Scene Cleaner
Working as a crime scene cleaner can be a difficult job, but also a rewarding one. By following the steps above, you can begin your career as a crime scene cleaner today.
