What to Know about Crime Scene Cleaner Qualifications

Like most careers, crime scene cleaning requires specific qualifications. The job of a crime scene cleaner is to clean and sanitize the area where a violent crime has taken place. This can include the cleaning of blood, body fluids, and even tear gas. Some crime scene cleaners are also responsible for cleaning up after suicides, industrial accidents, and unattended deaths.

Due to the disturbing nature of some crime scenes, crime scene cleanup is not for everyone. On top of that, working in this industry requires long, unpredictable hours, a keen attention to detail, and a balance of compassion and professionalism.

What are the education qualifications to become a crime scene cleaner?

No formal education is required to be a crime scene cleaner. However, most bioremediation companies offer OSHA training and on-the-job education sessions. Some training programs that you may encounter as a crime scene cleaner include:

Bloodborne pathogen training
Personal protective equipment (PPE) training
Respiratory protection training
Hazardous communication training
Medical waste handling and transporting training
Heat-illness awareness training

What other qualifications are required to be a crime scene cleaner?

If you are seriously considering a job in crime scene cleanup, it is important to know that crime scene cleanup is not easy work. The long hours and intense manual labor can quickly overwhelm individuals who lack a clear understanding of the job.

More than anything, a crime scene cleaner should have a strong commitment to the job and the families they serve. This includes exhibiting compassion and integrity while adhering to all health and safety regulations to protect everyone involved in the process.

While challenging, crime scene cleaning can be incredibly rewarding work for the right person. Andrew Whitmarsh, an Operations Safety/Compliance Manager for Aftermath says, “When we [Aftermath] show up, people are emotionally shocked and often shut down. But knowing the work we’ve done has helped someone in their darkest time, the feeling I get is not even close to a simple pat on the back. It’s really not something I can describe in words.”

Do you think you have what it takes to be a crime scene cleaner? Aftermath is always accepting employment inquiries. Learn more here.

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Sources:

OSHA.gov
Aftermath

Testimonials

"Exemplary Communication, Care, Attention to detail. This team deployed quickly to a biohazard situation, provided excellent advice and counsel, performed their work with integrity, and were instrumental when helping us with the insurance claim. A+++"

Randy N. - October 11, 2022

"From my initial contact with Jeanine to the final walk through with Jason, Tristan, Marquel and Fritz Aftermath services has been tremendously upfront, kind and compassionate after the death of my sister. During such a difficult time I never would have thought that I would walk away with five new friends. I am forever grateful."

Megan M. - October 10, 2022

"Aftermath Services Manager Christopher and his Assistant Manager Trainee Gabriel took care of my tenants (who was family) apartment swiftly. It was disgusting in there. Will be going back to this company if a situation arises like this in the future. Drive home safe guys and thank you for your hard work."

John I. - October 12, 2022

"I can not thank Cecily and Fernando enough for all the hard work and dedication they exerted to resolve our family crisis. Thank you both very much. You truly care about the families that you serve and it shows. "

Joseph T. - September 19, 2022

"Lacey and her team are amazing. We never experienced anything like this they walked us through process explained everything upfront even cost and went above and beyond. They were professional, compassionate and informative from minute they showed up even on a holiday. Sorry to say this hope I never need their services again but if we did Aftermath will be our 1st call. Thank you so much."

Patti B. - September 12, 2022

"The Pasadena Aftermath team did an outstanding job. Not only are they a remarkable team, they are also exceptional individuals. Over the course of the week that they were here, we got to know and trust them. They handled this unthinkable situation with grace, compassion, and the utmost respect for the victims. Words will never be able to truly capture the appreciation we have for them. When our world felt like it was hit with a tsunami, your team threw us a life preserver and told us that we will be okay again.The world needs more “Kevins”, “Jamies”, and “Hassens”, who will help lift the burden off of strangers who are facing their darkest days."

Ashlyn B. - September 5, 2022

"Sterling and Aurelia did much more than clean the scene. They were patient, kind, and very compassionate. They took good care of the property as if it was there own. Sterling and Aurelia communicated with us every step of the way. Their presence alone did much to contribute to the healing process. On top of all that, they did a fantastic job cleaning the house. To be honest, we hated to see them leave. Our family thank them both to the highest degree!!"

Tim F. - August 22, 2022