What Do Police Officers Notice in Hoarder Homes?

Dealing with hoarder homes is undoubtedly an unforgettable experience in a police officer's career. Over the years, I've encountered numerous incidents where the circumstances were as challenging as they were disturbing. In one particularly stark case in the 1980s, a hoarder home's hazardous environment revealed itself upon our arrival, leading to a life-altering discovery.

An All-Consuming Crisis

The incident began with a medical emergency call, and when we arrived, the scene was overwhelming. The house was a labyrinth, with stacks of newspapers, magazines, and papers towering up to the ceiling across all walls. The kitchen was overwhelmed with decaying leftover food, all covered in an unbearable smell. Access to the rear bedroom was impossible due to the debris. Rats, mice, and insects were everywhere, and the homeowner could be seen, but not reached, in the rear bedroom.

The Final Hurdle

As a last resort, the fire department utilized a K-12 saw to create a makeshift path to the rear bedroom. The homeowner's body, infested with mice and insects, was discovered. The house was a veritable zoo with cats sprawled across the mounds of garbage and junk. To clear a way, the city brought in heavy machinery, and it was almost too much even for seasoned officers and Animal Control Officers. The smell was so strong that several personnel were forced to flee the property.

The Debris and the Aftermath

Clearing the debris was a daunting task. The city public works department deployed a front-end loader to start the removal process. Facing the task of removing the vast piles of newspapers and magazines surrounding the bed, several officers and employees had to retreat, unable to withstand the overwhelming stench. The entire ordeal required numerous clean-ups, including a hot shower and changing clothes to ensure the contaminants were removed from their bodies.

The Health Hazard and the Bulldozing

The city recognized the severe health hazard posed by the house and promptly dismantled it, ensuring that it was bulldozed to the ground. Reflecting on the incident left a deep impression on me, and I vowed never to enter another hoarder home again. Reflective of the severity, such experiences are rare but remain etched in my memory. Dealing with hoarders is always a special challenge, with the physical and emotional toll on everyone involved.

Conclusion

Hoarder homes are never a pleasant environment but are often necessary for the health and safety of the public. The stories and experiences of those who encounter these situations are not just tales of horror but also teach us the importance of perseverance and the critical role professionals play in addressing these issues.