Crime scenes
Crime scene cleanup in Arlington
When the police leave, the room is handed back as it is. An independent cleanup company can take it from there, so your family does not have to.
Answered 24 hours a day, every day of the year
How it usually goes
Police release the scene
Arlington Police, or the agency that responded, tells you when you can go back in. If nobody has said, call the non-emergency number, (817) 274-4444, and give the case number.
You call
Say what happened, which rooms are affected and whether anyone has been inside since.
A walk-through
The company looks at the space, explains what has to come out and gives you a written price.
The work
The area is sealed, contaminated material is removed, and surfaces are cleaned and disinfected. Ask what will be taken away and what will be left for you to decide on.
Paying for it
Texas victim compensation and clean-up
Texas Crime Victims' Compensation, run by the Attorney General's office, lists crime scene clean-up among the costs it may help pay. What the program says about clean-up. It may cover a professional company or, if you clean yourself, the supplies only.
You can apply as the victim, or as someone paying crime-related bills for a victim. Apply within three years, and the crime has to have been reported to police (eligibility rules). Insurance is used before the program pays.
Arlington Police's victim services unit helps people file these claims. Its main number is 817-459-5339.
Before anything is thrown away
- Take photos of each room, including damaged furniture and flooring.
- Ask the company for an itemized bill. The compensation program asks for one.
- Find your insurance declaration page, or write down that you have no insurance.
- Keep anything the police asked you to keep.
Questions
Questions about this kind of cleanup
Can the police clean up?
No. The police and the medical examiner collect evidence, then hand the place back. Cleaning is the owner's or the family's job, which is why companies like this exist.
What if it happened in a business?
The steps are the same. Note that the Texas program says businesses and organizations cannot apply for compensation, so talk to the business insurer first.
Other situations
Something else?
When you are ready, one call
There is no rush on your side. Call when the police have released the place and you want to know what the cleanup involves.
Talk it through with a cleanup company
You will speak with an independent company that works around Arlington. Ask how they would handle your situation and how they set the price. Nothing is booked until you agree.
Call (817) 803-8687Answered 24 hours a day, every day of the year
Calls may be recorded. How referrals work: referral disclosure. Your information: privacy policy.