Crime Scene Cleaning Company That PM Previously Stated Could Have Existing Laws Actioned Againt, Dodges Prosecution

December 23, 2022

A crime scene cleaning company that posted graphic scenes of sudden deaths and suspected suicides to its social media accounts was “morally repugnant”, minimised the impact of its actions and broke the law. But still, it escaped prosecution. Why? Sam Olley investigates. Warning: Story contains references to suicide, sudden death and assault, and graphic details about human remains.

For years, Crime Scene Cleaners did the grim work of tidying up the scene of unexpected - often traumatic - deaths.

It had private clients - insurance companies, families, landlords - and a number of public agencies engaged it, too. District health boards, the Ministry of Social Development and police were among them. KiwiRail spent nearly $1 million with the company in the last year alone.

But alongside this work, pictures from the jobs staff attended were posted on the company’s social media accounts.

Commentary

Existing law could be used to take action against crime scene cleaning company - Jacinda Ardern