What this covers
Crime scene cleanup restores a home after a violent crime, an assault or another event that law enforcement has investigated. The work begins only after the police or the medical examiner release the scene. A trained crew in full protective equipment contains the affected rooms, removes and bags contaminated materials such as carpet, padding and drywall, cleans and disinfects what remains, treats lingering odor and the residue an investigation leaves, and sends the waste to a licensed disposal carrier. The work is quiet, unhurried and respectful of the family.
When to call
- A home where a crime has taken place and the scene has now been released.
- Blood, bodily fluids or broken glass left in a room after an incident.
- Fingerprint powder or other investigation residue on walls, doors and surfaces.
- A rental or family property that needs to be made livable again after an incident.
What to expect
- Scene releasedCleanup begins only after law enforcement or the medical examiner has finished and released the home.
- ContainThe affected area is sealed from the rest of the home and the crew works in full protective equipment.
- Remove and disinfectContaminated materials are removed and bagged, surfaces are disinfected, and residue and odor are treated.
- Dispose and documentWaste leaves through a licensed carrier, and the company documents the work and the materials removed.
Get a certified company
Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.
Questions people ask
When can cleanup start?
Only after the police or the medical examiner have released the scene. The company can be lined up in advance, so the crew arrives soon after the release.
Will the crew be discreet?
Yes. Unmarked vehicles on request, plain workwear and no discussion with neighbors. The family decides what is kept, and personal belongings are handled with care.
Is this different from biohazard cleanup?
It is the same trained discipline. Crime scene cleanup also deals with what an investigation leaves behind, such as fingerprint powder; biohazard cleanup covers illness, injury and unattended deaths.
Related: Biohazard and trauma cleanup · Odor removal · Contents pack-out and cleaning · All restoration and emergency services
This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.