Crime scene cleanup

What crime scene cleanup involves

Law enforcement and the Medical Examiner do not clean scenes; once a scene is released, the responsibility passes to the property owner or tenant. Crime scene cleanup technicians:

• Assess how far blood and other materials have spread, including into subfloors, baseboards, wall cavities and HVAC returns
• Remove contaminated porous materials (carpet, pad, upholstery, drywall) and package them as regulated medical waste
• Clean and disinfect non-porous surfaces
• Remove fingerprint powder and other investigation residues where requested
• Treat lingering odors
• Document the work for insurance

What to do before cleanup starts

• Confirm with the investigating agency that the scene has been released.
• Don't attempt to clean or discard items yourself; you may also need items photographed for insurance.
• Contact your insurance company to open a claim; ask whether they have requirements for choosing a vendor.

Help for crime victims

The California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) may help eligible victims and family members with certain crime-related costs, which can include crime scene cleanup. Eligibility and limits apply; see victims.ca.gov or ask a victim advocate.

Frequently asked questions

How long does crime scene cleanup take?

Many residential scenes take one day, but larger scenes, or scenes where materials must be removed down to the framing, can take several days. The provider will explain after assessing the site.

Related services

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