Becoming a Crime Scene Cleaner

 

When Bill Tyrrell founded his mold remediation company, Triage BioClean Services, he did so with the intention of helping people remove mold from their homes. Over the years, Tyrrell became one of the foremost experts of mold remediation in his area. When residents of Iowa, Western Illinois and Northern Missouri have a mold problem on their hands, Tyrrell’s is the first number they call.

 

Later, 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 do his part to help begin the healing process where a crime has been committed. Here, Tyrrell shares his opinion on what it takes to become a crime scene cleaner.

 

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, with the goal of doing a little more to protect our homes and neighborhoods. Of course, not everyone has a background in crime scene cleanup. Most crime scene cleanup specialists are ordinary citizens like you or me; however, they still require a degree of unusual sensitivity and skills to tactfully do the work in the wake of a tragedy.

 

Here are some skill sets and knowledge required of anyone who wants to become a crime scene cleaner:

 

Basic Handyman Work

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.

 

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 other 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.

 

Biohazard Cleanup Standards

Because 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. If you want to practice in a state requiring licensure, you’ll need to undergo a complete battery of testing in order to work.

 

Psychological Training

Any crime scene cleaner has at least taken a few basic classes in dealing with the bereaved and traumatized individual. 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 you are. Therefore, 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 trainings to learn how to aid and communicate with the bereaved effectively. Still, some things can’t be taught, so you need to develop a thick skin to be in this business.

 

Be aware that no two crime scenes are quite alike. But they are almost always messy, nauseating and difficult. It is a hard job to be a crime scene cleaner, so it is necessary to understand what you’re getting into before you dive in. However, if you have the willingness to help, this is a job where you can truly make a difference.

 

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