‘i Clean Up Crime Scenes For A Living This Is What I See’
While growing up in Tampa, Florida, I always wanted to work in law enforcement. My father was a police officer and I planned to follow the same path. So, when I left college in 1997, I joined the Kansas City Police Department.
Working in law enforcement was exciting. It was great doing something different everyday. I worked in a city with a high rate of violent crime, so I saw plenty of crime scenes. I had only been out of the police academy for a week or two when I saw my first dead body.
I was with my field training officer and saw a deceased male lying in a hotel bed. He had already been there a while and had bloated due to gasses which had been produced inside his body.
I had come from a pretty sheltered background and I wanted to experience the harsh realities of the job during my police training. So being exposed to a crime scene was exciting.
I worked for the department for several years before I had my lightbulb moment. I was visiting the scene of a homicide case when the mother of the deceased asked me when the police would be coming back to clean up the house. I had never been asked that question before.
When I told her that we wouldn’t be returning, she asked who would. I had no idea. Considering all the homicides I had investigated throughout my career, I found it shocking I didn’t know the answer.
There’s no way to ease into biohazard cleaning, but this was a big job. It took me around two and a half days to complete the clean-up.
They Aren’t Limited To Crime Scenes
The phrase crime scene cleanup brings to mind police tape and furrow-browed detectives. In reality, only a fraction of the calls these companies receiveâwhich can come from family members, property managers, hotel owners, or anyone with a dead body on their propertyâare the result of a major crime. Unattended natural death and suicide are the most common scenarios. Glenn Cox, general manager at Southern Bio-Recovery, which has four locations in the Southeast, says that only about 30 percent of the 60 to 100 death scenes his company handles every year are homicides.
To pay the bills, it’s common for companies to supplement with other kinds of biohazard removal, whether that’s removing tear gas from a property after it’s been used by law enforcement or getting rid of meth labs. Cox says that Southern Bio-Recovery also cleans up hoarding situations and decontaminates homes after viral or bacterial incidentsâthink MRSA or hepatitis outbreaks.
Who Cleans Up Blood At A Crime Scene
Whilst many believe you can simply wipe the blood and the dangers will disappear, this is not the case. Even the strongest commercial detergents cannot rid such harmful bloodborne pathogens. Only the latest cleaning technology and techniques will prove successful in removing all traces of blood and creating a safe environment for the public.
There are a variety of bloodborne pathogens that can live for extended amounts of time outside of the body:
- Hepatitis C: 4 days
- Hepatitis B: 7 days
Timing is everything. Materials may incur permanent stains or damage if all traces of blood are not removed within a specific period of time. Porous materials such as rugs, carpets, curtains, tiles, wood, drywall and wallpaper will not only discolour but may become structurally weak, accelerating the deterioration process. If stains become permanent, items may have to be discarded due to health risks. Biohazards, such as bloodborne pathogens, should not be treated lightly they have the potential to cause long-term health consequences.
When our experienced technicians attend a crime scene, they will evaluate the area and record any items they believe may have to be thrown away. A more in-depth analysis of the items will take place once they have been removed from the affected site.
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Spaulding Decon Of Montville Is New Jerseys Crime Scene Cleaning Experts
Spaulding Decon was started by a former Police Officer that saw how people were left to handle crime scene cleanup on their own. Helping people clean up crime scenes and get back to their lives is the exact reason why we operate. We have more than 15 years experience to help handle any situation that may arise. We also developed our own proprietary cleaning solutions as well as thorough guidelines on how to properly clean and restore just about every type of commercial and residential property. All team members receive extensive training and are experienced in biohazard remediation. Beyond expert cleaning, we are also there to help our clients. We will always prioritize the needs of our clients and take a compassionate approach to every situation. We work with insurance companies to cover our costs as well as working with funeral homes or Police departments to make appropriate arrangements. We are licensed, insured, and certified to perform all the services we offer. You can rest assured knowing that you cleaning services are being left in safe, capable hands.
If you are the victim of a crime, there are resources available to you, you do not have to go through this on your own! New Jersey operates both state and county offices for Victim and Witness Advocacy. The coordinators of these offices can assist, advise, and advocate for you and help identify any benefits you may be eligible to receive.
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Crime Scene Cleanup Faq
Since a crime scene cleanup is not an everyday occurrence, there are several common questions that we get asked about the process, what it involves and various other aspects. Here are some of those frequently asked questions if you find yourself wanting to pursue a career in crime scene cleanup or looking for the right company to call to handle a crime scene cleanup.
Is Spaulding Decon part of law enforcement?
No, we are an independent company that specializes in crime scene cleanup and various other cleanup situations. We are contracted independently to remove, clean and restore the property once law enforcement has finished their jobs. We do, however, have great relationships with law enforcement in the cities we are located in.
How is Spaulding Decon different than a residential cleaning company?
Your typical cleaning company is not equipped with knowledge, certifications or equipment to properly deal with the dangers and challenges that crime scene cleanups present. Due to the dangerous nature of the industry, our teams are fully trained and experienced in handling dangerous cleanup situations that involve blood, bodily fluids, and other hazardous materials.
How fast does Spaulding Decon respond?
We strive to provide the quickest response time possible. Our teams are ready 24/7 to respond to any crime scene cleanup needs.
Will my privacy be protected?
Who pays for Spaulding Deconâs cleaning services?
Who are the cleaning technicians coming to my home?
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But They Sometimes Need Help Themselves
Experienced techs and owners talk about the importance of separating their work and home lives. Still, not everyone is gifted with the ability to disengage . Several of the people we spoke to said their companies provide paid counseling for techs on a confidential, request-by-request basis. “All they have to do is submit a request. We take care of everything,” Michel notes.
Fact #: Blood Borne Pathogens Taint Human Health
Blood Borne Pathogens Taint Human Health
As mentioned, it is estimated that 1 out of every 24 people are plagued with the hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV virus at any given time. When an individual with an infection of this type dies, the pathogens for these diseases continue to survive.
Exposure to these blood borne pathogens can result from direct contact, accidental mishaps due to biological fragments, inhalation and even splashes of blood or bodily fluid that can enter through ones eyes, mouth and nose.
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Can I Clean Up A Crime Scene Myself
You may still be wondering if you can clean up a crime scene by yourself. The best answer is that professionals should still be consulted. Most companies offer a no charge estimate, this estimate should be itemized to show exactly what will be done to the property, and the owner should be given appropriate time to review and ask questions without extra pressure being placed upon them. Unfortunately, most individuals do not have the proper knowledge or access to the proper equipment to effectively clean a crime scene. Also, there is an emotional aspect to handling a crime scene that must be considered.
Compare A Few Companies To Each Other
Once you’ve read the customer reviews of different companies, you should create a shortlist of a few companies. You should then give each one a call.
Explain the situation to them and ask them questions about their services. Ask them what their process is and how they operate. You should hire the company that gives you the clearest answers. Also, it can be useful to ask them about payment options as trauma clean up services can be costly due to the increased risk and some companies offer great payment options or split payments to make it financially easier.
You can look at the rates for different companies. But don’t just look at how many pounds a service costs. You should examine what you get for your money, such as replacements for materials the cleaners have to remove.
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What Happens During Crime Scene Processing
How a crime scene is processed typically depends on the type and severity of the crime that has taken place. However, there are a few standard steps that police and other authorities keep to.
First, they identify the main area of the scene, for example, where the body is positioned or if there is a clear realm of attack. Investigators then determine how big the perimeter around this point should be to concentrate their processing efforts. They also take into consideration any entries or exits that could have been used by anyone involved in the crime.
Second, investigators secure the scene. Its well known that anyone who comes into or leaves the crime scene after the fact will add or subtract something from it, so the faster boundaries are set up around the scene, the better. From this point forward, only authorized personnel can access the scene.
Next, investigators have to propose a theory about the type of crime. Doing so enables them to know what evidence they need, such as collecting witness statements. Theyll additionally do a primary walkthrough of the scene, taking notes and photos to get a feel for the conditions at the time of the crime. Once completed, a full processing will begin, including collecting biological evidence, firearm evidence, and trace evidence. A secondary review process will run afterward as a quality control measure.
They Hate Seeing Cats On
That’s because cats could mean cat pee. âCat pee is my fricking nemesis,â Berg says. âMost of the time we have to pull up floors or walls and make physical contact with the cat urine because it crystallizes.â Michel agrees: âWhen you leave a dog by himself and they or urinate, you can clean that for the most part. Cat spray is the hardest odor to remove.â
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Fact #: Biohazard Waste Must Be Disposed Of Properly
Human blood and bodily fluids can potentially cause infections, even up to a few weeks after having spilled onto environmental surfaces. The hepatitis B virus , for instance, has been known to survive for over two weeks, and the hepatitis C virus can be infectious for up to two weeks.
Due to the presumption that blood pathogens can pose as a threat to public health and the environment, all biohazard materials must be disposed of by a licensed biohazard waste hauler and in accordance to federal, state and local laws.
Do Police Officers Clean Up Crime Scenes
May 31, 2021
We have all seen the TV shows like Law & Order or CSI that show detailed crime scenes in homes, vehicles, hotel rooms, and offices. Many of these scenes display rather unfortunate events have taken place. Something that is not usually covered is how these locations are restored and who completes the work. Some people may think that the Police handle or arrange for a service to come in, but this is a common misconception. Owners are left to their own devices to clean and restore a crime scene.
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How Much Does Crime Scene Cleanup Cost
Because every situation is unique, it is difficult to give an estimate on how much crime scene cleanup will cost without first seeing the damage. Aftermath, an industry leader in bioremediation and crime scene cleanup services, will come onsite, assess the situation, and provide you with a professional recommendation once the scene has been evaluated.
Some pricing factors can include:
- The number of rooms affected.
- Length of time left unattended.
- Level of structural damage.
- Any additional complications.
Will my insurance cover crime scene cleanup costs?
In many cases, homeowners insurance covers crime scene cleanup services, and Aftermath will work directly with your insurance company to make the claims process as easy for you as possible. However, because we cannot make guarantees regarding your specific coverage, it is best to speak with your insurance provider to learn what help is available to you.
How much must I pay upfront for Aftermaths services?
We do not require a deposit to begin our work and can begin restoring the scene as soon as we have your insurance information.
What if my insurance does not cover crime scene cleanup costs?
Dont worry, Aftermath has payment options and financial assistance programs available and can assist you in finding third party sources of funding, including victims compensation assistance, discount programs, and payment plans.
I am a business owner. Do you offer discounted rates for commercial accounts?
Professional Crime Scene Cleanup
Bioteams service will provide you with the comfort and peace of mind that your family is safe from bloodborne pathogens and other potentially infectious materials. Our experience and trainingas well as our work with first respondersgives us a keen eye for finding everything that needs to be cleaned and decontaminated. Using the best tools in the industry, we ensure your home has been sufficiently cleaned, disinfected, and made safe to enter per the IICRC cleaning standards.
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Each Day Is Different
Everything used in the cleaning process has to be thrown away in specialised bins.
I always think about how my services have helped the families so they donât have to deal with it.
âIt all goes into clinical waste bins including the biowaste, our suits, gloves, eyewear and mops ⦠it all gets thrown away,â Ms Farry said.
She said the smell could sometimes be overwhelming depending on the weather conditions.
âIf itâs a hot day and the room has been closed up ⦠itâs really bad,â Ms Farry said.
Mr Bobridge said each day was different, as every scene the team confronted was different.
He said there had been situations that have stayed with him longer than others.
âWe did a job at Maroochydore and he was a 42-year-old man who was a drug addict and he died horrifically,â Mr Bobridge said.
âThe whole house looked like a violent crime scene and the police said to the family, âdo not enterâ.
âWhen you see the photos on the wall and you see the fella, you see photos of his kids in better days, it makes you ask questions ⦠why?â
Who Cleans Up Crime Scenes And Murder Scenes
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 arent up to the task.
Crime scene 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.
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Other Types Of Removals
Technicians at Valor Technical Cleaning will not only clean up crime scenes. They also offer remediation services for a hoarding cleanup. When a person stores too many items in their home to the point where they cannot live a normal life, Valor Technical Cleaning steps up to the plate with discretion, compassion, and respect. They take into consideration the fact that the hoarders may have developed an emotional bond with their items. Technicians will separate those valued items from the rest of the trash to clean and preserve them. These types of cleanups require extra care as there can be biohazards present such as mold, animal feces, and urine.
Valor Technical Cleaning offers biohazard cleanup services. This service includes cleaning sewage backups, trauma scenes, virus contamination, meth lab contamination, animal remains, and chemical spills. They ensure your treated place is left in its original state for your own safety. Subsequently, they offer decontamination from COVID and other contagious diseases. They will rid your place of fungi, parasites, viruses, and MRSA. Lastly, they provide board-up services during emergencies in the states of Colorado and Denver. This service is essential if your property has been damaged and you want to prevent further damages from weather or criminal activity. All of these services are available to schools, businesses, apartments, homes, and most other property types.