What to Do If a Crime Scene Is in Your Home or Business

Immediate Steps to Take Before Professional Help Arrives

Discovering a crime scene in your home or business is a shocking, stressful, and potentially dangerous experience. Whether it’s the aftermath of a break-in, assault, suicide, or even a homicide, it’s essential to remain calm, protect yourself and others, and take the right steps before professional cleanup and law enforcement support arrive.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the immediate actions you should take if you’re faced with a crime scene on your property—prioritizing safety, legal requirements, and your peace of mind.

 

1. Ensure Personal Safety First

Before doing anything else, make sure the area is safe. If there’s an ongoing threat (e.g., an intruder still present or an unsecured weapon), leave the premises immediately and contact 911. Do not try to confront anyone or investigate the scene yourself.

If you’re certain the threat is no longer active, check yourself and others for injuries and move to a secure location while waiting for emergency services.

 

2. Call Law Enforcement Immediately

As soon as you realize that a crime has taken place, call local law enforcement. Even if someone else has already reported the incident, it’s important to make sure authorities are officially notified and en route.

When speaking with the police, remain calm and provide accurate information about:

•The type of crime suspected

•The location of the scene

•Any known victims or suspects

•Any visible hazards or dangers

 

3. Do Not Touch or Disturb Anything

It may be tempting to clean up or investigate what happened, but doing so can compromise evidence and obstruct the investigation. Avoid:

•Moving objects or furniture

•Touching surfaces with visible blood or fluids

•Cleaning or removing items from the scene

•Allowing others to enter the space

Let law enforcement gather evidence and document the scene before any cleanup begins.

 

4. Secure the Area (If Safe and Appropriate)

If you can do so without disturbing the scene, try to restrict access to the area by:

•Locking doors or using signage

•Keeping customers or employees away (if it’s a business)

•Preventing pets or children from entering

This helps preserve evidence and protects others from exposure to potential biohazards.

 

5. Notify Property Management or Ownership

If the incident occurred in a rented property or commercial space, notify the property owner or manager right away. They may have specific procedures to follow, and will likely need to coordinate with cleanup services and insurance providers.

 

6. Contact a Professional Crime Scene Cleanup Company

After the police have released the scene, you’ll need to address the aftermath. Crime scenes often involve blood, bodily fluids, and hazardous materials that require professional biohazard cleanup. Regular cleaning services are not equipped to handle these situations.

A certified trauma cleanup company can:

•Safely remove and dispose of hazardous materials

•Disinfect and deodorize affected areas

•Restore your home or business to a safe, livable condition

•Provide documentation for insurance claims

 

7. Seek Emotional Support

Experiencing a crime scene in your home or business is emotionally traumatic. Whether you’re a victim, witness, or property owner, consider speaking with a grief counselor, trauma therapist, or crisis support team. Emotional healing is just as important as physical restoration.

 

Final Thoughts

Facing a crime scene is overwhelming, but taking the right steps quickly can protect your safety, support law enforcement efforts, and ensure that your property is properly restored. Do not attempt cleanup on your own—leave it to professionals trained in biohazard remediation.

If you or someone you know requires crime scene cleanup services in Colorado Springs, Fountain, Security-Widefield, Falcon, Peyton, Monument, Pueblo and nearby cities in Colorado, reach out to CrimeTech Services at 719-201-2726 and a certified biohazard cleanup agent will handle the situation with care and professionalism.

Need Immediate Assistance? Call CrimeTech Services Today!