This question comes up constantly, because the answer surprises most people: law enforcement does not clean the scene. Their job ends once the investigation is complete and the scene is officially released.
What police and crime scene units are responsible for
Officers, detectives, and crime scene technicians document, investigate, and process the scene for evidence. Once they've finished — which can take anywhere from a few hours to several days depending on the case — the property is released back to the owner or family.
What happens after the scene is released
At that point, the property owner (a homeowner, landlord, or business) becomes responsible for the cleanup. This often comes as a shock to families who assumed someone else would handle it. In practice, this means finding and hiring a licensed biohazard remediation company — which is a decision most people are making for the first time, under extremely difficult circumstances.
Why this isn't a DIY job or a standard cleaning job
Blood and other bodily fluids can carry bloodborne pathogens such as hepatitis and HIV, and they can penetrate flooring, walls, and subfloor. Florida and federal regulations (OSHA bloodborne pathogen standards, EPA waste disposal rules) govern how this material has to be handled, transported, and disposed of. A standard cleaning service isn't licensed or equipped for this — and attempting it yourself carries real health risk.
What a professional crime scene cleanup includes
- Removal of blood and bodily fluids from all affected surfaces
- Cleanup of fingerprint powder and other investigation residue
- Structural decontamination of any porous materials that were affected
- Regulated medical-waste transport and disposal
- Coordination with your insurance company, where applicable
Who pays for it
In most cases, this is covered under homeowners, renters, or business insurance as a sudden, accidental loss — see our guide to insurance coverage for crime scene cleanup for more detail. We'll also work directly with families and property owners paying out of pocket.
What to do right now if you're facing this
Once the scene is released, call a licensed biohazard remediation company before attempting to enter or clean the area yourself. Peak Bio-Clean is available 24/7 across Florida, and we'll talk you through exactly what happens next.