Crime Scene and Trauma Cleanup in Garland, TX
Police and first responders do not clean up after they leave. That job falls to the property owner, which is why trauma cleanup providers exist.
After a violent crime, suicide, or serious accident at home, blood and other biological material can end up on floors, walls, furniture, and in places that are hard to see, such as under trim or inside carpet pad. Law enforcement collects evidence and then releases the property, but it does not clean it.
Trauma cleanup follows the same basic approach as other biohazard work: protective gear, removal of materials that cannot be disinfected, and thorough cleaning of everything else. Workers are covered by OSHA’s bloodborne pathogens standard, which sets rules for protective equipment and handling of contaminated materials.
In Texas, eligible crime victims may be able to get up to $2,250 toward crime scene cleanup through the Crime Victims’ Compensation program run by the Office of the Attorney General. Ask the provider and your victim services contact about it, and keep every invoice.
If you have lost someone to suicide and are struggling, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available any time by call or text at 988. More information on other biohazard situations is on our Garland biohazard cleanup page.
When trauma cleanup is needed
- Blood or tissue is present after an assault, shooting, or stabbing
- A suicide or attempted suicide occurred in the home
- A serious accident left blood on surfaces or furniture
- Police have released the property and the family needs it cleaned
Health and property risks
- Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV in blood
- Contamination hidden in carpet pad, grout, and under trim
- Emotional harm to family members who try to clean it themselves
What a proper cleanup includes
- 1
Wait for release
Cleanup starts only after police confirm the property is released.
- 2
Assessment
The provider checks how far material spread, including places that are not visible at first.
- 3
Removal
Porous items such as carpet, pad, mattresses, and upholstered furniture that absorbed blood are removed.
- 4
Cleaning and disinfection
Hard surfaces are cleaned and treated with a disinfectant registered against bloodborne pathogens.
- 5
Final check
The area is inspected again, and some providers use ATP testing to verify surfaces are clean.
Equipment commonly used
Crime Scene Cleanup questions
Answers to common questions about this type of cleanup.
No. Police collect evidence and release the property. Cleanup is the responsibility of the owner or tenant, which is why professional trauma cleanup services exist.
Homeowners insurance often covers it. Eligible crime victims may also apply to the Texas Crime Victims’ Compensation program, which can pay up to $2,250 for crime scene cleanup for crimes after July 14, 2016.
Most families choose to stay elsewhere while the work is done. The provider can work with a trusted contact and set aside personal items for you to review later.
Related services
Unattended Death Cleanup
Removal of bodily fluids, contaminated materials, and odor after a death that went undiscovered for days.
Blood & Bodily Fluid Cleanup
Cleanup of blood, urine, feces, or vomit from carpet, mattresses, and hard surfaces.
Odor Removal
Finding and removing the source of lingering sewage odor after a backup, then deodorizing the space.
Dealing with a sewage backup in Garland?
Call our 24/7 line and we will connect you with an available local cleanup provider. Ask them about pricing, timing, and insurance before any work starts.
Garland Sewage Cleanup is a referral service, not a cleanup contractor.