Have Questions on Crime Scene Cleanup Jobs? This FAQ List Can Help
What are the most frequently asked questions about crime scene cleanup jobs? Whether you are interested in pursuing a career in crime scene cleanup, or are simply looking to learn more about the industry, this article can help answer your most burning questions.
Crime Scene Cleanup FAQ
Crime scene cleanup (often referred to as bioremediation) occurs after members of law enforcement process a crime scene and gather evidence. The job of a crime scene cleanup company is to thoroughly clean and sanitize the site to restore it to a livable condition.
Are crime scene cleaners considered to be members of law enforcement?
No. Crime scene cleaners are contracted by the family or property owner to clean the trauma site and do not collect or process evidence. Crime scene cleaners do, however, have a good working relationship with law enforcement, and these types of services are often recommended to families by police officers.
How is a crime scene cleanup company different from a standard cleaning company?
Standard cleaning companies are not equipped with the knowledge or equipment needed to safely clean up biological material. The blood and body fluids that are left at a crime scene can carry potential bloodborne pathogens, including HIV, Hepatitis B and C, methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and norovirus. As a result, cleaning up a crime scene requires more than a simple mop and bucket; specialized OSHA training and compliance are highly recommended.
Aftermath, a professional bioremediation company with almost 20 years of experience, offers a 28-point checklist that illustrates the regulatory compliance and quality assurance standards that all crime scene cleanup companies should follow, although bioremediation is not a federally regulated industry.
How quickly does a crime scene cleanup company arrive onsite?
Crime scene cleaners want to arrive on site as quickly as possible. Aftermath is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and can usually arrive on site within two to four hours after dispatch. With fully mobilized teams that cover 48 continental states, we are able to dispatch technicians to locations throughout the U.S. quickly and efficiently.
Does insurance cover crime scene cleanup?
Every situation is unique, and unfortunately, we cannot make guarantees regarding your coverage. In many cases, however, homeowners insurance will cover the services of a crime scene cleanup company. Aftermath is happy to work with your adjuster to ensure the claims process goes smoothly.
What are the job requirements for becoming a crime scene cleaner?
Most crime scene cleanup companies require that their technicians have graduated high school, and will usually provide on-the-job training to new technicians. More than anything, a crime scene cleanup company is looking to hire individuals who are:
- Compassionate
- Willing to work hard — crime scene cleanup can be a physically challenging job
- Safety-focused
- Trustworthy
- Committed to the work we do and the customers we serve
At Aftermath, we believe that no one should have to suffer the process of cleaning up a death scene after a traumatic event. As a nationwide industry leader in bioremediation, we are the only company offering standardized quality assurance from coast to coast, and we are dedicated to delivering world-class customer service to those we serve.
Do you still have questions that this crime scene cleanup FAQ list did not answer? Contact us anytime for more information.
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Sources:
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/personalprotectiveequipment/
http://www.aftermath.com/wp-content/uploads/28PointChecklist.pdf
http://www.aftermath.com/contact-24-7-365/