Crime scene clean up is a commonly used term referring to forensic clean up of body fluids, blood, and other possibly contaminated materials. It is also called biohazard cleanup and forensic clean up, due to the many cases where biohazard cleanup is required. This can be a difficult process for investigators, since their job is to piece together clues that can eventually lead to the perpetrator of the crime. A crime scene clean-up team must collect all evidence, including blood samples, clothing, shoes, jewelry, paper, and various other items that might be of use to investigators. This is not an easy task, however, as each crime scene presents its own set of challenges.
Blood is one of the first and most important sources of evidence in a case, as it contains vital information on the perpetrator’s DNA profile. This type of evidence is extremely delicate, and it is also highly reactive. As such, it must be handled with extreme care and caution. Blood stains need to be dried immediately, so any blood that is accidentally spilled needs to be cleaned up as soon as possible.
Clothing can contain evidence, as well, whether it has been stained or not. The next challenge comes from clothing fibers, which are incredibly hard to clean, but are also highly reactive with chemicals. Bloodstains or bodily fluids, for example, can easily leave behind stains and fluid residue. These residues can be hard to remove and are difficult to clean up with typical chemical cleaners. To remove these residues, a team will need to do a detailed analysis, using a specialist’s kit, of the crime scene, and the clothing that was worn at the time of the incident.
Many types of crime scene cleaning agents can be used for biohazard cleanup. However, it is important that these substances are non-toxic and biodegradable. Many crime scene clean up teams use a mixture of soap and bleach, which are both effective and very safe. Other crime scene cleaners are used to disinfect clothing and remove stain and fluid residues. Some teams use acid and hot water in order to kill bacteria and fungi.
Crime scene clean-ups can be expensive, and the price for each case can vary greatly. If a case is particularly large, multiple teams may be required, though many crime scene clean-up teams can be combined to provide a cost-effective solution to all potential crimesites in a case. In general, the greater the size and amount of crime scene cleanup required, the higher the price for each individual case.
Crime scene clean-ups are a serious matter, as they pose significant challenges to the investigation process. While not every crime scene can be successfully cleared, the number of cases being handled, the number of pieces of evidence, and the amount of personnel involved in the case will dictate the amount of work and the cost involved. Crime scene clean-ups are often conducted by expert biohazard cleanup teams that have the expertise to effectively and safely get all of the evidence back to a clean state as quickly and efficiently as possible. Biohazard cleanup requires a lot of work, but it can be a satisfying and rewarding experience. A professional team can reduce the amount of damage that is left behind by crime scenes and restore an area to a pristine condition.