Bio-One of Sacramento decontamination and biohazard cleaning services

Biohazards in Holding Cells: Why Professional Cleanup Is Essential for Law Enforcement

Holding cells see a constant flow of detainees, many of whom arrive injured, intoxicated, or carrying infectious diseases. Blood, vomit, urine, drug residue, and even pest infestations can quickly turn these areas into biohazard hotspots. 

While routine cleaning may address surface-level messes, it often fails to eliminate the hidden dangers that put officers, staff, and detainees at risk. Law enforcement professionals already face enough hazards on the job—exposure to biohazards in holding cells shouldn’t be one of them. 

Ensuring these spaces are adequately decontaminated goes beyond sanitation; it’s a matter of health, safety, and compliance. That’s where Bio-One comes in. Our specialized biohazard remediation services help agencies maintain clean, safe detention areas while reducing risks to personnel and the public.

Law enforcement professionals already face enough hazards on the job—exposure to biohazards in holding cells shouldn’t be one of them.
Law enforcement professionals already face enough hazards on the job—exposure to biohazards in holding cells shouldn’t be one of them.

What Biohazards Are Common in Holding Cells?

Officers and staff interacting with holding cells face exposure to various dangerous contaminants. Some of the most common biohazards found in these areas include:

Bodily Fluids

  • Blood: Detainees may arrive at the station with injuries from altercations, self-harm, or accidents. In some cases, fights may break out inside the cell, resulting in further contamination.
  • Vomit: Individuals arrested for intoxication or drug-related offenses frequently vomit, creating a serious biohazard risk.
  • Urine and Feces: In highly stressful situations, some detainees may lose control of their bodily functions or intentionally create unsanitary conditions.
  • Saliva and Mucus: Spitting incidents, coughing, and sneezing can spread airborne diseases, increasing the risk of transmission to officers and others nearby.

Drug Residues & Needles

  • Holding cells frequently house individuals involved in drug-related offenses. In some cases, these detainees may still have substances in their system or concealed on their person.
  • Highly potent drugs like fentanyl can leave behind dangerous residues that pose serious exposure risks to officers and detainees.
  • Discarded needles, drug paraphernalia, and unknown substances create contamination concerns that require professional cleanup.

Infectious Disease Risks

  • Detainees may carry serious infectious diseases such as hepatitis B and C, HIV, tuberculosis, staph infections (MRSA), and COVID-19.
  • These diseases can spread through bodily fluids, surface contact, and airborne transmission.
  • Holding cells are often enclosed spaces with limited ventilation, which can increase the risk of disease transmission if proper sanitation isn’t maintained.

Pests and Parasites

  • Many detainees may have experienced homelessness or lived in unsanitary conditions, bringing lice, bedbugs, or scabies into holding areas.
  • These pests can spread quickly without thorough decontamination, impacting officers, detainees, and facility staff.

Contaminants from Use-of-Force Incidents

  • In cases where officers must use tear gas, pepper spray, or other defensive measures, the residue can linger on cell surfaces.
  • Improper cleanup can lead to secondary exposure for officers and detainees, causing respiratory irritation and other health issues.
Holding cells see a constant flow of detainees, many of whom arrive injured, intoxicated, or carrying infectious diseases.
Holding cells see a constant flow of detainees, many of whom arrive injured, intoxicated, or carrying infectious diseases.

Why Professional Biohazard Cleanup Is Necessary

While effective for general sanitation, standard cleaning protocols are not designed to eliminate biohazards. Many pathogens, drug residues, and contaminants require specialized equipment and training to remove correctly. Here’s why professional cleanup is essential:

  • Protecting Law Enforcement Personnel – Officers and staff should not be exposed to hazardous materials that could compromise their health. Professional biohazard cleanup ensures that dangerous substances are thoroughly removed.
  • Preventing Disease Transmission – Routine deep cleaning and disinfection reduces the risk of bacterial and viral infections spreading within the facility.
  • Maintaining Compliance and Reducing Liability – Law enforcement agencies must adhere to strict health and safety regulations. Professional cleanup helps agencies avoid legal risks related to unsanitary conditions.
  • Ensuring Fast Turnover of Cells – Contaminated holding cells delay processing and disrupt operations. Bio-One’s rapid response ensures cells are cleaned quickly and efficiently, minimizing downtime.
By partnering with Bio-One for holding cell cleanup, agencies can ensure a safer environment for officers, staff, and detainees while maintaining compliance with health and safety standards.
By partnering with Bio-One for holding cell cleanup, agencies can ensure a safer environment for officers, staff, and detainees while maintaining compliance with health and safety standards.

How Bio-One Supports Law Enforcement with Holding Cell Cleanup

Bio-One specializes in biohazard remediation and works directly with law enforcement agencies to maintain clean, safe, and fully operational detention facilities. Our services include:

  • Thorough Biohazard Decontamination – We use hospital-grade disinfectants and advanced cleaning techniques to eliminate blood, vomit, urine, feces, and other biohazards.
  • Drug Residue Cleanup – Our team is trained to safely remove fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other dangerous drug residues that could pose exposure risks.
  • Odor Neutralization – Professional-grade deodorizers eliminate persistent odors from bodily fluids or chemical agents.
  • Compliance with Health and Safety Standards—Our cleanup methods comply with the regulations of OSHA, EPA, and local health departments.
  • Discreet and Rapid Response – Bio-One understands the urgency of biohazard cleanup in law enforcement settings. Our team is available 24/7 for emergency response.

Trust Bio-One for Your Law Enforcement Biohazard Needs

Law enforcement officers already face enough risks on the job—exposure to biohazards shouldn’t be one of them. By partnering with Bio-One for holding cell cleanup, agencies can ensure a safer environment for officers, staff, and detainees while maintaining compliance with health and safety standards.

For immediate assistance with biohazard cleanup in holding cells or other law enforcement areas, contact Bio-One of Sacramento today at (916) 833-2461.

FAQ

What types of biohazards are commonly found in holding cells?

Holding cells frequently contain blood, vomit, urine, feces, saliva, drug residues (such as fentanyl or meth), and even pests like lice or bedbugs. These biohazards pose serious health risks if not properly decontaminated.

Why aren’t routine cleaning protocols enough for holding cell biohazards?

Standard cleaning methods may remove visible messes, but they often fail to eliminate pathogens, drug residues, and lingering contaminants that can cause infections, diseases, or secondary exposure to officers and detainees.

How do bodily fluids in holding cells create health risks?

Bodily fluids can carry dangerous pathogens such as HIV, hepatitis B & C, tuberculosis, and MRSA. These contaminants can remain on surfaces without proper cleanup, increasing the risk of disease transmission.

Why is drug residue, such as fentanyl, a concern in holding cells?

Even trace amounts of fentanyl or methamphetamine can be hazardous. Officers and detainees can be exposed through skin contact or accidental inhalation. Professional decontamination ensures that all drug residues are safely removed.

What steps does Bio-One take to clean and disinfect holding cells properly?

Bio-One follows strict biohazard remediation protocols, using hospital-grade disinfectants, advanced decontamination techniques, and protective measures to eliminate biohazards, neutralize odors, and restore holding cells to a safe condition.

How quickly can Bio-One respond to a biohazard situation in a holding cell?

Bio-One provides 24/7 emergency response to law enforcement agencies, ensuring holding cells are decontaminated and ready for use as quickly as possible.

Are Bio-One’s cleaning methods compliant with health and safety regulations?

Yes. Bio-One adheres to OSHA, EPA, and local health department regulations, ensuring full compliance with safety and sanitation requirements for law enforcement facilities.

How does professional biohazard cleanup reduce liability for law enforcement agencies?

Proper decontamination prevents the spread of diseases, minimizes exposure risks for officers and detainees, and ensures compliance with safety regulations—reducing the likelihood of lawsuits related to unsanitary conditions.

Can Bio-One remove persistent odors from holding cells?

Yes. Bio-One’s advanced cleaning techniques include odor neutralization, eliminating lingering smells caused by bodily fluids, vomit, or chemical contaminants like pepper spray.

How can law enforcement agencies set up routine biohazard cleaning for holding cells?

Bio-One offers one-time emergency cleanups and scheduled biohazard cleaning services to help agencies maintain safe, sanitary holding cells. Law enforcement departments can contact Bio-One to discuss customized cleaning plans.


Bio-One What to Ask Before Hiring a Crime Scene Cleaner

The roots of crime- and trauma-scene cleaning companies can be traced to the 1990s, and at that time only a dozen or so companies existed. The industry was widely unregulated and awareness of contamination risks were relatively non-existant.

"I was young and dumb and saw something you only see in movies, so I quickly shut the door, took a deep breath, sat on the couch with the widow and told everyone else to get her out of here and take her to lunch, and we’ll clean this up for her," said Nick-Anthony Zamucen, Founder of Bio-One Inc. "We were just trying to help a lady in her greatest time of need, and that’s for me how I got into the crime scene and cleaning business."  Read Nick's story in Franchise Times

Today, there are hundreds of companies that advertise crime and trauma scene cleaning, and a simple Google search may prove overwhelming when you're experiencing one of the most traumatic moments in your life. To help, we've listed pre-qualifying questions to ask before choosing a crime and trauma scene company. 

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Crime and Trauma Scene Cleaner

There are a number of key questions to ask crime and trauma scene cleaning technicians or business owners to properly root out which one is best for your goals and circumstances. 

  • Are you local? When there's a blood spill, response time is key to prevent biohazards from spreading and to ensure quick remediation. Several businesses may pay for online advertising in your city, but their technicians could be 3 or more hours away. Furthermore, avoid calling toll free numbers. "These numbers often lead to call centers. We're local. They're not," said Ginger Akemon, owner of Bio-One in Jacksonville, FL
  • Is your business certified and insured? Professional crime and trauma scene cleaning companies should have bloodborne pathogen certifications, they should follow OSHA personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines and remediation processes, and they should have insurance for their business. 
  • What is your process for disposing biohazardous waste? Once the remediation is complete, the accumulated waste will need to be disposed in accordance to local state guidelines. Make sure the business owner or technician is aware of these guidelines and has an appropriate plan for disposal.  
  • What happens to valuable or personal items that are impacted? At Bio-One, we are trained to be mindful of valuable and perceived valuable items, such as pictures, wallets, or a baseball card collection. Professional crime and trauma scene cleaners should ask if there are valuable items to keep an eye out for, and they will keep the family informed if these items are found. 
  • How will you charge for your services? In most cases, home insurance will cover the cost of biohazard remediation - less your deductible. Ask if they can open a claim on your behalf, taking this burden off your shoulders. If you don't have homeowners insurance, it's OK to ask for a free estimate so you can compare costs between other local companies. 
  • Will you be discrete during and after the job? Michele Amoranto, Bio-One owner in Oceanside, CA, always assures her clients that discretion is top of mind while her team is onsite. Bio-One vehicles are unmarked and technicians will designate work areas to don and doff PPE out of view from neighbors. 
  • Do you have a list of resources that can help after the cleanup? You may need flooring replaced or fresh drywall installed, which will also be covered under your home insurance claim, and a recommendation could help speed up the reconstruction process. Additionally, many crime and trauma scene cleaners have connections with local counselors and victim's advocates. In west Texas, Bio-One owner, Garrett Spooner, always offers a list of free mental health resources and states that, "Being volunteers of our local Crisis Intervention Unit, we consider our job incomplete without making sure our clients' mental health, grief process, and other issues our clients may have, are addressed."

Last but certainly most important, make sure the business you speak with shows care and compassion for your situation. They should want to do everything possible to support you and your loved ones.

If you are searching for a crime and trauma scene cleaner, Bio-One is here for you. All of our offices adhere to our business motto Help First, Business Second and are available 24/7. Click here to search for a Bio-One team near you.


Bio-One Weekly Wrap-Up Week 4 Hoarding Trauma Scene Back the Blue

Bio-One teams across the U.S. answer calls to help their communities and remediate a variety of scenes. In our new blog series, we'd like to bring you into the Bio-One world by sharing stories of the unique and important work we do for local communities.

Here is Week 5 of our Bio-One Weekly Wrap-Up. 

Chocolate Spill Makes for a Sweet Cleanup

In Scranton on March 25, Juan and Nicole Morales received a call for a "chocolate" cleanup. Assuming this was code for a sewage back-up, they rushed to scene to find a different situation entirely. Approximately 100 gallons of milk chocolate had spilled, covering asphalt outside a local business.

This is certainly the sweetest smelling job a Bio-One office has ever taken, but Nicole clarified, "That smell was nice for the first few minutes but at the end I felt sick. Good thing we had an awesome team that pushed through and got this done!" 

After scraping the chocolate with a forklift and pressure washing the area, the Bio-One team received a five-star review. Well done!  

Bio-One Milk Chocolate Spill Review
Bio-One Milk Chocolate Spill Before and After

Behind the Scenes with Citizen's Academy

Many Bio-One owners sign up for their local Citizen's Police Academy to acquaint themselves with the activities of their local police department. This week, Bio-One owner, Ginger Akemon, in Jacksonville, FL earned her Citizen's Police Academy certificate from the Clay County Sheriff's Office

"Definitely a learning process. Each County has their own, my goal is to go to each county's classes. This was 10 weeks long and over an hour drive each way, but well worth it, " said Ginger. 

Hoarding Transformation in Long Beach

In Long Beach, the Bio-One team has been working hard on several hoarding projects. These before and after pictures show the detail and expertise our teams bring to each job. 


Bio-One Weekly Wrap-Up Week 2 Hoarding, COVID-19, Wisconsin

Bio-One teams across the U.S. answer calls to help their communities and remediate a variety of scenes. In our new blog series, we'd like to bring you into the Bio-One world by sharing stories of the unique and important work we do for local communities.

Here is Week 3 of our Bio-One Weekly Wrap-Up. 

Five 30 Yard Dumpsters

The team in Pensacola has been working non-stop on a two story home that required Bio-One hoarding services. Over the course of five days, they filled five 30 yard dumpsters, and found multiple antique pieces, photographs, sentimental items and cash that was promptly turned over to the client. 

Look through the transformation photos on their Facebook page!

Backing the Blue in Omaha

The Bio-One team in Omaha dropped off bagels at the Omaha Police Department just before roll call, and Vanessa Urbach, the civilian crime and prevention specialist, tweeted a "Thank You" with shoutouts to Bio-One. Joining the conversation was our own Bio-One Twitter handle, Deputy Chief Ken Kanger, host of the What's Up Omaha Podcast, and a number of other officers in the department.

Kudos to the Omaha team for backing the blue! 

Safety First

Before Bio-One teams can help first, we have to ensure safety for every technician on the job site. This week, Bio-One owners took part in conversations about safety. Topics ranged from preventing common injuries on the job to attending OSHA training with Bob Easter. Jared Lafferty, Bio-One owner in Gwinnett County, even took the conversation to Twitter and featured safety protocols his team uses while on the job. 

We couldn't be prouder of our teams for putting safety first! 



If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (en español: 1-888-628-9454; deaf and hard of hearing: dial 711, then 1-800-273-8255) or the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.


Girl Upset - Suicide Prevention Resources

According to the American Psychiatric Association, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States and the second leading cause of death (after accidents) for people aged 10 to 34. And according the CDC, published reports from 2020 suggest that the pandemic has had a negative effect on children’s mental health. 

“Beginning in April 2020, the proportion of children’s mental health–related ED visits among all pediatric ED visits increased and remained elevated through October. Compared with 2019, the proportion of mental health–related visits for children aged 5–11 and 12–17 years increased approximately 24%. and 31%, respectively.”

Researchers have yet to link recent suicides to the pandemic since 2020 suicide data is not yet available. But on the ground, there's growing concern.

The February 2021 NPR article “Child Psychiatrists Warn That The Pandemic May Be Driving Up Kids' Suicide Risk” explores possible correlation. Takeaways include:

  • NPR spoke with providers at hospitals in seven states across the country, and all of them reported a similar trend: More suicidal children are coming to their hospitals — in worse mental states.
  • The number of kids with suicide attempts coming to the emergency room at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, in California, in the fall of 2020 was double the number in the fall of 2019.
  • At Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, the number of children and teens hospitalized after suicide attempts went up from 67 in 2019 to 108 in 2020. And October 2020 saw a 250% increase in these numbers over the previous October.

For ways to help kids at risk, NPR encourages readers to read Part 2 of their story, “Make Space, Listen, Offer Hope: How To Help A Child At Risk Of Suicide”.

Suicide Prevention Resources

Survivors of Suicide – What to Do Next

The loss of a loved one by suicide can be a deeply painful and traumatizing experience; however, it’s important to know that everyone experiences suicide loss in their own way. As you begin the process of healing, consider reading the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s guide for to talk to others about what happened and identify ways to take care of yourself

Additionally, if you have lost someone to suicide, there may be a cleanup required. There is no need for family or friends of the loved one to be further traumatized or overwhelmed with trying to figure out how to clean the impacted area. Bio-One is here for you. Learn more about Bio-One’s suicide remediation services. 


If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (en español: 1-888-628-9454; deaf and hard of hearing: dial 711, then 1-800-273-8255) or the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.