Crime and Trauma Scene Cleanup Technician

Violent crime, a deadly accident, suicide and even an unattended death from natural causes leave behind more than grieving family and friends. Each day, hundreds of crime scenes throughout the country require specialized cleanup and decontamination before the living return. Although not a common occupation, crime and trauma scene (CTS) cleanup technicians provide an indispensable service to victims' family, friends, landlords, and in some situations, entire communities.

Crime & Trauma Scene Cleanup Services
Once the police investigators, forensics teams, and coroner is finished with the scene, the aftermath of homicide, suicide, or tragic accident is most often left to the family of the victim to manage. The emotional rollercoaster of dealing with the event itself becomes overshadowed by the reality of what to do about restoring the area to a livable condition. Hiring a CTS service to handle cleanup and removal of biohazards including contaminated items is the quickest and least painful alternative for many families.

Cleanup costs typically range from a few hundred dollars to $1,000-$3,000. The cost of the cleanup is dependent wholly on the size of the area to be cleaned and complexity of the services required. CTS companies frequently have insurance coordinators on staff to assist with claims for the remediation. In the event that the victim's homeowners, auto, or major medical insurance does not cover crime or trauma scene cleanup or there is no insurance, clients are provided with local resources such as crime victims' assistance organizations.

Characteristics of a ProfessionalCleanup Technician
Before deciding on a career in the crime and trauma scene cleanup industry, it is helpful to know what is required of a professional cleanup technician. To be successful, the individual must be emotionally stable, physically fit and able to work in cramped or awkward spaces for extended periods. They must be able to carry heavy equipment and containers, move furniture and appliances, and complete a variety of other activities that require strength and agility. Biohazard suits are required for personal protection during cleanup operations and can be an uncomfortably warm environment. Travel, flexible hours, and the ability to work within a team structure are critical components of the job. The ability to be sympathetic, patient, and keep a professional demeanor in stressful situations is required.

Crime & Trauma Scene Cleanup Technician Training
Because of the unique conditions a trauma scene presents, standard janitorial services are not the best choice. Professional crime scene cleanup businesses employ trained technicians who are equipped with proper biohazard protection and containment equipment. OSHA has strict regulations for the collection, decontamination and disposal of biohazards (blood, tissue, human waste) and requires Bloodborne Pathogen Certification for those whose occupation brings them in contact with these substances. Crime scene cleanup training typically consists of 3-5 days of classroom instruction in the manner, type, and specific dangers of trauma scene remediation, local, state, and federal rules and regulations, and how to use the cleaning and personal protection equipment. Completion of the program is usually accompanied by an exam to certify that the student has absorbed the information and is ready for employment in the field. Tuition for CTS training averages $1,200 to $2,000.

Crime & Trauma Scene Clean Up Business Opportunities
Franchise opportunities in the specialty cleanup business do exist. Amdecon, Inc., SERVPRO, and Rainbow are a few of the nationally known emergency cleanup and restoration corporations that have a franchise program. However, the majority of operations are individually owned businesses, frequently with a hands-on owner. Both online and classroom instruction in starting or improving crime and trauma scene cleanup businesses are offered by a number of training organizations such as Amdecon, Crime and Death Scene Cleaning, and The National Institute of Decontamination Specialists.

With the popularity of television programs such as CSI and Law & Order, the average person today has at least a basic understanding of forensics and evidence collection practices. However, the procedures for cleanup and decontamination of the scene of a homicide, suicide or serious accident are not as well known. The website of the American Bio Recovery Association has links to resources, ABRA member firms and service providers, training programs and other information for both those who would like to become a part of the industry and those who are in need of their services.