Crime Scene Cleanup: What Property Owners Need to Know

When a property has been the scene of a violent crime, the aftermath brings questions most owners have never had to consider before: who cleans this up, when am I allowed back in, and how do I make sure this is handled with the discretion the situation deserves. Here's what property owners in Alberta should know.

Cleanup is the property owner's responsibility

Once police and investigators have finished processing a scene, cleanup and restoration typically fall to the property owner — not to law enforcement or the municipality. This surprises a lot of people, but it's the standard across Alberta and most of Canada. Waiting for someone else to handle it usually means the scene sits untouched longer than necessary.

When can you access the scene?

Access is determined by investigators, not by us. Once a scene has been officially released, we can be on-site the same day. If you're unsure whether a scene has been released, that's a question for the investigating officer — we're happy to coordinate directly with authorities where needed to confirm timing.

Why professional cleanup matters here specifically

• Biological hazards. Blood and bodily fluids at a crime scene carry the same bloodborne pathogen risks as any trauma cleanup, and require the same protective handling and disposal.
• Structural impact. Depending on the scene, flooring, drywall, or furniture may need to be removed rather than cleaned.
• Emotional weight. This is rarely "just a job" for the people involved. We move efficiently and don't linger longer than necessary out of respect for what the property owner and any family involved are going through.

How we handle discretion

Our vehicles and technicians don't advertise what kind of job is underway. We coordinate arrival times with you directly, work efficiently, and don't discuss details of any job outside of what's necessary with insurers or property managers. Confidentiality isn't an add-on for us — it's the standard for every crime scene job.

What to do if you're facing this right now

Confirm with investigators that the scene has been released, then call us. We'll ask a few questions about the scene, give you a realistic timeline, and get technicians on-site as soon as you're ready.