What Training Should A Crime Scene Cleanup Technician Do?

Violent crimes are something everyone hopes to never encounter though unfortunately do occur. But who cleans up the crime scene? After police have investigated the scene and medical personnel have cleared out, crime scene clean up professionals come in. They sanitize and provide a safe environment for the affected families. Becoming a crime scene cleanup technician requires a specific skill set and training due to the sensitive and potentially hazardous nature of the work. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in this field, here are the key aspects of training you should consider. 

Biohazard and Safety Training

Crime scenes often involve biohazardous material such as blood, bodily fluids and potentially infectious materials. As a crime scene clean up technician you will need comprehensive training on how to handle and dispose of these elements properly. Learning safety protocols and biohazard handling is crucial. This training would include how to properly use personal protective equipment, disinfectants, and other cleaning materials to minimize the risk of contamination. 

Bloodborne Pathogen Training

Bloodborne pathogens pose a greater risk to crime scene cleanup technicians because they are in direct contact through the clean up and disposal process. Training surrounding how to best handle bloodborne pathogens, as well as protocols for preventing the spread of diseases, is essential. Many training programs offer certifications in bloodborne pathogen management. 

OHSA Guidelines

Ensuring worker safety is the primary goal of OSHA guidelines. Familiarizing yourself with the OSHA regulations when it comes to biohazard cleanup and handling can help protect you at the scene and at home. Understanding these guidelines is essential for maintaining a safe working environment in aftermath jobs. 

Crime Scene Awareness

Gain an understanding of legal and ethical aspects of working at a crime scene. Learn techniques in preserving evidence and work within boundaries defined by law enforcement agencies and investigators. This will be especially important if you are ever incorporated into the legal proceedings for the crime that was committed. 

Decontamination Techniques

Decontamination is an important part of crime scene clean up because the space where the event occurred is likely to be used again. Ensure that the space is safe by learning effective decontamination techniques for various surfaces and materials. This could include proper cleaning methods, disinfection procedures, and odor removal techniques. 

Trauma-Informed Care

A crime scene cleanup job often involves trauma. Training in trauma-informed care will help you approach your work with empathy, sensitivity and professionalism when dealing with grieving families or emotionally charged situations. 

Hands-On Training

One of the biggest pieces of training you will receive is on the actual job site. Practical hands-on training is invaluable because you are able to connect what you’ve learned in training and apply to the situation first hand. Simulated crime scene setups and supervised cleanup exercises will give you a feel for the real work environment and help you apply the knowledge you’ve gained. 

Overall, becoming a crime scene cleanup technician requires a combination of technical knowledge, safety training, and emotional resilience. Crime scene cleanup jobs play a crucial role in restoring spaces affected by tragic events. As you explore how to become a crime scene cleaner, prioritize programs that offer a comprehensive curriculum covering crime scene restoration.