How to Become a Crime Scene Cleaner

When Bill Tyrrell first founded his mold remediation company, Triage Bio Cleaning Services, he assumed his business would be all about molds. Sure enough, he did become a master mold remediation technician and one of the foremost experts on the subject. When friends, neighbors and clients have a question or concern regarding molds, Tyrrell is the person they turn to for answers.

Over time, Tyrrell expanded his services to include other specialized cleaning and remediation services. Seeing a need in the surrounding communities for methamphetamine lab and crime scene cleanup, Tyrrell jumped in and began using his expertise to help property owners remove dangerous substances and clean potentially hazardous crime scenes. Crime is unfortunately an issue in our society, and Tyrrell is glad to be a part of the process to rid neighborhoods of meth labs and help begin the healing process where a crime has been committed. Many of Tyrrell’s clients have asked just how do you becomes a crime scene cleaner. Tyrrell agrees that it is an interesting career move and offers this primer on what it takes become a crime scene cleaner.

I am, and always have been, a law-abiding citizen, but something in me always wanted to do a little more to protect our homes and neighborhoods. So when after a few years of doing mold remediation, I saw the need for meth lab and crime scene cleanup. So, I decided to apply my knowledge and jump right in. Of course not everyone has a background in mold remediation and cleanup. So what steps does a person take to get involved in crime scene cleanup? Just who are crime scene cleaners anyway?

The truth is most crime scene cleanup specialists are ordinary citizens like you or me. To them, the job is just that — a job. That’s not to say most crime scene cleaners are callous to violence, gore or the feelings of others. Rather, the crime scene cleanup specialist requires a degree of unusual sensitivity and skill to tactfully do his work in the wake of a tragedy. Here are a few examples of the skill sets and knowledge required of anyone who wants to do this work:

• Safe Biohazard Removal – Since all human body parts and fluids are considered biohazards, the crime scene cleanup specialist requires advanced knowledge of biohazard cleanup standards and practices. Some states require licensing to clean up biohazard while others do not. Obviously if you want to practice in a state requiring licensure, you’ll need to undergo a complete battery of testing in order to work. Most people never get completely comfortable with the removing of detritus that was once human. But if you want to be a crime scene cleaner, you have to accept it as part of the job.
• Psychological Training – A lot of mediocre crime scene cleaners lack this important education. Any crime scene cleaner worth his trade has at least taken a few basic classes in dealing with the bereaved and traumatized individual. Many people don’t realize that police and municipal officials do not take responsibility or clean up after a crime that has occurred on private property or in a private residence. While the coroner will remove a body, the families of victims are generally left with the rest of the mess. Being exposed to the blood of a friend or family member is extremely disturbing, no matter how strong a person. As such, being hired to clean a crime scene generally means dealing with a person who has just suffered terrible loss and shock. Needless to say, these individuals are rarely at their best and it takes immense clarity to work out a business arrangement with them. You can take a variety of classes to learn to aid and communicate with the bereaved effectively. Still, some things can’t be taught and you need to develop a thick skin to be in this business.
• Background Skills- Few people just wake up one day and decide to go into crime scene cleanup. My background in mold cleaning gave me some insight and perspective. People of others backgrounds that generally work well in crime scene cleanup are often former EMTs and medical professionals. You don’t need this kind of experience to make it in crime scene cleanup, but it sure does help.
• Basics of Construction – Every crime scene cleaner needs to know how to wield tools and do some basic handyman work. Certain areas of crime scenes are often beyond cleaning or repair and need to be destroyed. If you don’t know how to use a hammer or a saw, you will find it difficult to be an effective crime scene cleaner.

Remember, no two crime scenes are quite alike. They are however almost always messy, nauseating and difficult. This is a hard job, so it helps to know what you’re getting into before diving in. If you have the stomach though and willingness to help, this is a job where you can truly make a difference.