As a crime scene cleanup professional, my role goes beyond cleaning up a location. It’s about working with law enforcement to ensure that the scene is handled with respect, professionalism, and safety. At BioTechs Crime & Trauma Scene Cleaning, my team and I are often called to work in close coordination with police, detectives, and investigators here in San Antonio and the surrounding areas like Boerne, Universal City, and Canyon Lake. The collaborative efforts between our team and law enforcement agencies are crucial in making sure that crime scenes are processed and restored safely and efficiently.
Crime scenes are highly sensitive environments. Long after law enforcement has finished their investigation, there are biohazardous materials left behind that need professional attention. From blood and bodily fluids to other potentially infectious materials, these areas pose serious health risks to anyone who enters them without proper training or equipment. That’s where we come in.
The Importance of Coordinating with Law Enforcement
One of the first steps in crime scene cleanup is establishing a clear line of communication with law enforcement. Typically, by the time my team arrives at the scene, the police have finished collecting evidence. However, we always wait for clearance from the authorities before beginning our work to ensure that no critical evidence is disturbed. In San Antonio, this often involves working with local police departments, and at times, even state or federal agencies depending on the nature of the crime.
There’s a mutual respect between law enforcement and crime scene cleanup professionals. They handle the investigation, and we handle the cleanup—together, we ensure that the scene is managed thoroughly and safely for everyone involved. It’s not just about restoring a location; it’s about doing so in a way that honors the investigative process and protects public health.
Understanding the Unique Challenges
Crime scenes, especially those involving violent acts, can leave behind a range of biohazards that require specialized handling. According to OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030), any bodily fluids or tissues at a crime scene are considered hazardous and must be handled with strict protocols to prevent the spread of infections. Our team is OSHA 511 Certified and fully trained to adhere to these regulations, ensuring that both the cleanup process and the disposal of biohazards are done safely and in compliance with the law.
One of the most difficult parts of this work is knowing that the property where we are called may still carry emotional weight for the victims’ families and the law enforcement officers involved. As ABRA Certified Bio-Recovery Masters, we are trained to navigate these sensitive situations with care and professionalism. We understand that for law enforcement, clearing a scene is more than just another task—it’s part of a larger process of seeking justice and closure for those impacted by the crime.
How We Work Together During Crime Scene Cleanup
- Clearance and Communication: As I mentioned earlier, before we can begin the cleanup process, law enforcement must first give us clearance. This is crucial, especially in cases where investigations may still be ongoing, or additional forensic work might be required. In many cases, our work begins shortly after the police have processed the scene, collected evidence, and completed their initial investigation.In high-profile areas of San Antonio like Downtown or near landmarks like the Alamo, it’s important that the cleanup is both discreet and timely. Public safety is always our top priority, and law enforcement ensures that we are fully briefed before we enter the scene.
- Protecting Evidence: Although by the time we arrive much of the critical evidence has already been collected, there are still protocols in place to ensure that nothing is accidentally destroyed or contaminated during the cleanup. In some cases, forensic investigators may need us to leave specific areas undisturbed while additional testing or evidence collection takes place. We work hand in hand with investigators to make sure their work is completed before we begin ours.
- Safety First: Ensuring the safety of everyone on-site is non-negotiable. Crime scenes can pose hidden dangers, from biohazards to chemical exposures. That’s why our team uses Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and follows strict guidelines outlined by OSHA and IICRC standards. We also make sure that anyone coming in after us—whether it’s the building owner, property manager, or another investigator—is walking into a safe environment, free of any residual risks.In some cases, especially in larger commercial or public spaces, there may be a need for coordination with multiple law enforcement agencies. For instance, if an incident occurs at a business near La Cantera, our team might work alongside both local police and corporate security teams to ensure a smooth transition from investigation to cleanup.
- Discreet and Compassionate Service: Another important aspect of working with law enforcement is maintaining discretion, especially in public or high-traffic areas. Many crime scenes are located in places where there is heavy foot traffic—like businesses along the San Antonio River Walk or near popular attractions like The Pearl District. In these cases, law enforcement often helps us establish secure perimeters so that we can perform our work without drawing unnecessary attention or causing distress to the public.My team takes a compassionate approach to these scenes, not only out of respect for the victims but also for the officers who have worked tirelessly to process them. The emotional toll on everyone involved is high, and we do our part to ensure that the cleanup process is done with the utmost care and professionalism.
Supporting Law Enforcement and the Community
At BioTechs, we take pride in supporting the work of law enforcement across San Antonio and beyond. Whether we’re working with the San Antonio Police Department, the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, or smaller police departments in areas like Cibolo and Boerne, we are there to help restore order to what can be a chaotic and traumatic scene.
Crime scene cleanup is about more than just restoring a physical space—it’s about helping law enforcement bring closure to their cases and providing families with a clean and safe environment where they can begin the process of healing. Our certifications in Trauma and Crime Scene Cleanup (TCST) and Bloodborne Pathogens Cleanup mean that we are always ready to handle these difficult situations, ensuring safety, compassion, and professionalism at every turn.
Sources:
- OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030)
- OSHA 511 Certified
- ABRA Certified Bio-Recovery Master (CBRM)
- IICRC Trauma and Crime Scene Technician (TCST)
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