How to Be Crime Scene Cleaner - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 19, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Crime scene cleaners are essential to the justice system, as they are responsible for restoring crime scenes to a safe and healthy condition. By cleaning the area of potential hazards, they ensure that any evidence collected is safe and uncontaminated. they can help prevent the spread of infectious diseases, such as hepatitis and HIV, by decontaminating the area and disposing of any biohazardous material.

As crime scene cleaners are responsible for eliminating biological material and hazardous chemicals, they must be knowledgeable about safe disposal practices and abide by all local, state, and federal laws. Furthermore, crime scene cleaners must be aware of the psychological impact their job can have on themselves and the families of those affected by the crime, as they are often dealing with traumatic situations.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Many employers prefer to hire crime scene cleaners who have a high school diploma or GED.
Take a course in crime scene cleaning. Many organizations offer courses that teach the fundamentals of crime scene cleaning, including the proper use of protective equipment and the safe disposal of hazardous materials.
Get certified. Most states require crime scene cleaners to be certified by a professional organization, such as the American Bio Recovery Association (ABRA).
Obtain a business license. Depending on which state you are in, you may need to obtain a business license in order to operate as a crime scene cleaner.
Apply for work with a crime scene cleaning company. Many companies specialize in crime scene cleaning, and they may be looking for experienced cleaners.
Market your services. Once you are established, you can start to market your services to local law enforcement agencies, private investigators, funeral homes, and other potential clients.

Crime scene cleaners are essential to the process of crime scene investigation and remediation. They provide a reliable and competent service that is invaluable in restoring a crime scene to its former state. Crime scene cleaners must be able to quickly assess the scene, identify hazardous materials, and safely remove them using specialized equipment and techniques.

They must also be knowledgeable about proper disposal of any hazardous materials, as well as the local and federal regulations regarding such disposal. Furthermore, crime scene cleaners must be well-versed in bloodborne pathogens and other biohazards. They must also be able to protect themselves with the necessary protective equipment and be able to handle potentially traumatizing situations with professionalism and sensitivity.

crime scene cleaners must have the ability to work efficiently and effectively while still providing a high level of service to ensure the safety of those who enter the scene.

You may want to check Crime Scene Reconstructionist, Crime Scene Technician Trainee, and Crime Scene Examiner for alternative.

Job Description

Cleaning up hazardous materials such as biohazards, blood, bodily fluids, tissue, and other potentially infectious materials.
Removing furniture, carpeting, and other objects that may have been contaminated by a crime scene.
Sanitizing and disinfecting contaminated surfaces.
Properly disposing of hazardous materials according to all local, state, and federal guidelines.
Documenting all activities related to the cleanup process.
Adhering to safety guidelines to protect oneself from potential exposure to hazardous materials.
Working with families and loved ones of victims to ensure their emotional well-being during the cleanup process.
Working with law enforcement officials to ensure proper evidence collection and documentation.
Working with insurance companies to ensure proper documentation of the cleanup process and billing procedures.
Keeping accurate records of all expenses associated with the crime scene cleanup process.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of health and safety principles, including knowledge of proper disposal of hazardous materials.
Knowledge of cleaning products and techniques to clean and sanitize surfaces.
Ability to safely use and maintain a variety of cleaning equipment and tools.
Ability to work with a team to accomplish tasks efficiently and accurately.
Ability to identify and address potential safety risks.
Ability to follow detailed instructions and procedures.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Great attention to detail.
Positive attitude and strong work ethic.

Having the right skills as a Crime Scene Cleaner is essential to ensuring that the job is done correctly and safely. The most important skill to have is attention to detail. Crime Scene Cleaners must be able to identify, collect, and dispose of evidence and hazardous materials in an accurate and timely manner.

They must also be able to recognize potential hazards and take steps to mitigate those risks. they must be proficient in using specialized equipment, such as decontamination equipment, protective clothing, and air filtration systems. Lastly, it is essential that Crime Scene Cleaners possess strong organization and communication skills, in order to collaborate with other professionals such as law enforcement officers, medical professionals, and other crime scene cleanup personnel.

Having these skills will help ensure that the job is done properly and efficiently.

Crime Prevention Officer, Crime Intelligence Analyst, and Crime Scene Reconstruction Specialist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in this field?
How do you handle difficult situations or challenging tasks in a crime scene cleaning job?
How do you ensure safety protocols are followed when cleaning a crime scene?
What strategies do you use to protect your mental health when exposed to traumatic scenes?
How do you stay up to date on the latest technologies and techniques used in crime scene cleaning?
Do you have any certifications or special training related to crime scene cleaning?
How do you handle confidential information when performing crime scene cleanup?
What is the most challenging part of being a crime scene cleaner?
How do you work with law enforcement, other emergency responders and other personnel at a crime scene?
What steps do you take to ensure that the crime scene is returned to its pre-incident state?

Common Tools in Industry

Disinfectants. Used to clean and disinfect surfaces in crime scenes (eg: bleach).
Vacuum Cleaner. Used to suck up dirt, dust, and debris from crime scenes (eg: Shop-Vac).
Personal Protective Equipment. Used to protect oneself from hazardous materials in crime scenes (eg: hazmat suits).
Absorbent Materials. Used to absorb liquids and other materials from crime scenes (eg: sawdust).
Biohazard Bags. Used to store and transport hazardous materials from crime scenes (eg: red bags).
Disposal Containers. Used to safely dispose of hazardous materials from crime scenes (eg: sharps containers).
Gloves. Used to protect hands from potentially hazardous materials in crime scenes (eg: latex gloves).
Masks. Used to protect the face from potentially hazardous materials in crime scenes (eg: N95 masks).
Eye Protection. Used to protect the eyes from potentially hazardous materials in crime scenes (eg: goggles).
Disposable Coveralls. Used to protect clothing from potentially hazardous materials in crime scenes (eg: Tyvek suits).

Professional Organizations to Know

International Association of Trauma Professionals (IATP)
National Trauma Scene Cleaners Association (NTSCA)
International Bio-recovery Association (IBRA)
American Bio-Recovery Association (ABRA)
Blood Borne Pathogens Association (BBPA)
International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA)
Association of Traumatic Scene Clean-Up Professionals (ATSCUP)
International Hoarding & Clutter Remediation Association (IH&CRA)
National Academy of Crime Scene Cleaners (NACSC)
Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC)

We also have Crime Mapping Analyst, Crime Lab Technician, and Crime Data Analyst jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Trauma Scene Cleanup. the process of cleaning and restoring a crime scene to its pre-incident condition.
Biohazard Cleanup. the removal and disposal of hazardous materials, such as biohazards, from a contaminated area.
Decontamination. the process of removing contaminants from a surface or item to make it safe for use or disposal.
Odor Removal. the process of removing odors from a crime scene or other area by using special techniques and equipment.
Disinfection. the process of killing microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, to make a surface or item safe for use.
Sanitization. the process of reducing the number of microorganisms on a surface or item to a safe level.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). protective clothing, such as gloves and masks, worn by crime scene cleaners to protect them from exposure to hazardous materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Crime Scene Cleaner?

A Crime Scene Cleaner is a professional who specializes in the removal of physical evidence from crime scenes, as well as the restoration of the affected areas to a safe and sanitary condition.

What qualifications do Crime Scene Cleaners need?

Crime Scene Cleaners typically need to have a high school diploma or equivalent and may be required to have a valid driver's license. They may also need to have experience in cleaning and restoring property, as well as knowledge of safety protocols and hazardous materials.

What type of cleaning products do Crime Scene Cleaners use?

Crime Scene Cleaners use a variety of cleaning products, such as detergents, disinfectants, deodorizers, and bleach. Additionally, they may use specialized tools and equipment to remove physical evidence and restore the affected area.

How long does it take to clean a crime scene?

The amount of time required to clean a crime scene will depend on the type of crime and severity of the scene, but it can typically take anywhere from a few hours to several days.