Crime Scene Cleanup Services

The aftermath of a crime, accident, or other traumatic event can be overwhelming. When the shock has worn off and the police and first responders leave, someone still needs to restore the space so people can continue to live and work there. Trauma and crime scene cleanup specialists are experienced in not only sanitizing the affected area but also treating everyone involved with compassion.

Why Professional Trauma and Crime Scene Cleanup is Important

Crime and accident scenes can contain more than visible damage and bloodstains. Scenes of serious trauma may contain body fluids and tissue that can spread dangerous viruses or bacteria if not cleaned correctly. Investigators may also leave fingerprint powder, chemical sprays, and other hazards. Sharps, dangerous chemicals, broken glass, structural damage, and invisible but lingering residues are other possible risks.

Professional cleanup not only ensures that hazards are completely removed, eliminating long-term health risks, but it also helps people cope with the emotional stress of what’s happened. The trauma is hard enough without having to experience reopening wounds each time someone walks into the room. It can be too difficult or emotionally damaging for family members, employees, and business owners to try to clean up the scene themselves. Trained cleanup teams take care of the job quickly and safely so people can begin the healing process.

Steps in Crime and Trauma Scene Cleanup

Cleanup specialists are trained and licensed to follow OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) guidelines. OSHA and the EPA have regulations on how dangerous substances must be treated, stored, and disposed of to protect workers, tenants, and the general public. Cleanup technicians follow each of these standards and document them so property owners can have complete confidence.

The cleaning process can include:

• Assessing the scene to identify any hazards allows cleanup crews to determine what tools and cleaning products will be necessary, along with safety equipment.
• Protecting the area to prevent the spread of hazardous substances.
• Removing all hazardous substances, including blood, body fluids, tissue, chemical and fingerprint residues, and so on.
• All biohazard materials are placed in labeled containers for proper disposal.
• Cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting with hospital-grade disinfectants.
• Removing residual odors and sanitizing the space again.
• Damaged items are restored or replaced to leave the space as normal as possible.
• Documentation of the steps performed by the crew so the property owner has complete records.

Trauma & Crime Scene Cleanup Examples

Trauma and crime scene cleanup involves much more than visible blood and evidence. Types of substances and residues that require professional cleanup include:

• Blood, tissue, and bodily fluids
• Fingerprint powder and chemical investigation sprays
• Tear gas or pepper spray residues
• Fire extinguisher powder and smoke damage
• Chemical or drug contamination from meth labs or illegal drug manufacturing

Cleaning and removing some of these can be especially challenging. Tear gas or pepper spray residues, for example, can linger in the air ducts, on carpet or walls, and need to be neutralized. Meth lab or illegal drug residue cleanup requires disposing of the toxic chemicals as well as decontaminating the space.

Professional Cleanup with Compassion

The most important part of trauma and crime scene cleanup isn’t the technical procedures—it’s the way technicians handle people. These events are almost always associated with negative events like murder, suicide, accidents, natural disasters, assault, and other violent acts. Cleanup specialists understand the pain people are going through and complete their work respectfully and quietly when possible.

Cleanup technicians also help families, property owners, or employees by allowing them to move forward with the healing process without unnecessary stress. Reputable companies communicate with people and answer questions to reassure them that everything is being done to restore safety. For many, just seeing the space return to normal is the first step toward recovery.

Safety Begins and Ends with Professional Crime Scene Cleanup

Eliminating visible blood, bodily fluids, and other evidence is only the first part of the process. Bloodborne pathogens, chemical residues, and even microscopic or invisible contaminants can remain if the space is not treated properly. Over time, this can result in long-term infections, allergies, or unsafe indoor air quality. Professional cleanup eliminates these potential problems and restores safety to the space.

This is important not only for people living or working in the property now, but for those in the future as well. Businesses can help employees feel safe and let customers know their space is safe and sanitary. Families can get back to normal, no longer worrying about the health and safety of their children or other family members.

Cleanup is one of the last tasks at a crime or trauma scene, and it does not begin until police and other investigators are finished, so evidence is not disturbed. Cleanup crews are available 24/7 for that reason. Crimes, accidents, and other emergencies do not happen on a schedule. Cleanup can occur in the middle of the night, on holidays and weekends, as well as during the week.

Cleaning Up After a Traumatic Event

Most people do not want to think about dealing with a crime or other traumatic event, but if it happens, professional cleanup makes moving forward possible. Trauma and crime scene cleanup services enable individuals to continue living and working in the affected space. They also protect people’s health and help with the emotional healing process. Behind the protective gear and the gloves, cleaning crews provide relief, dignity, and the first step back toward normal life after a tragedy.