Forensic Cleaning and Training

Following a homicide, violent assault, accidental death or other violent crime, there is often a messy crime scene left behind after police conclude their initial investigation. Forensic cleaners, or crime scene cleaners, remove waste and return the area to its original state. In 2005, the average annual starting salary for forensic cleaners was $35,000, according to CNN Money. With several years of experience, forensic cleaners may earn six-figure salaries in high crime areas.

Function

• The purpose of forensic cleaning is to provide a professional, reputable service to property owners after a crime has taken place. Normal janitorial services or amateur clean-up crews are generally not equipped with the experience and training to remove blood stains, dispose of hazardous materials or remove body parts. Forensic cleaners offer expertise in restoring a crime scene to a safe, clean environment.

Key Duties

• Forensic cleaners must know how to remove blood stains from furniture, walls, carpeting and decorations. They must also collect and dispose of body parts, repair physical damage done to room interiors and get rid of unpleasant odors. Cleaners might also deal with non-fatal crimes such as drug-lab raids, according to CNN Money. Following investigation of these crime scenes, forensic cleaners remove drug paraphernalia and dispose of bio-hazardous materials.

Education

• There are no specific educational requirements for forensic cleaners, although most employers seek applicants with a high school diploma or G.E.D. Some forensic cleaners have college degrees in forensic science or criminology, and many have an employment background in public health.

Training

• Many forensic cleaners receive on-the-job training during employment with a clean-up crew. Over time, they learn appropriate techniques for cleaning biological waste and disposing of bio-hazardous materials.

  The American Bio-Recovery Association offers a Certified Biorecovery Technician training course that teaches students how to manage bio-hazardous materials encountered in crime scenes. This course is a recognized training standard but is not required of forensic cleaners.

Considerations

• Those considering a career in forensic cleaning must be prepared for disturbing crime scenes and dealing with distressed family members. Compassion and professionalism help forensic cleaners deal with these difficult situations.