When a violent crime happens in a home, law enforcement processes the scene and then releases it. Cleaning is not part of their role. Families are often surprised to learn that the job of restoring the room falls to them, sometimes within days of the worst event of their lives.
Colorado has a crime victim compensation program funded largely by fees paid by offenders, and it is administered through each of the state's judicial districts. Depending on eligibility and current program rules, it may help with certain out-of-pocket costs a victim or family faces, and crime scene cleanup has been among the types of expenses these programs consider. Eligibility, limits and required paperwork vary, so treat this as a door to knock on rather than a promise of payment.
Who to ask
- Law enforcement victim advocate
- Many police departments and sheriff's offices in the metro have victim assistance staff; ask the investigating officer
- District attorney's office
- Each judicial district's DA office typically runs the victim compensation application for crimes in its area
- Denver
- Second Judicial District (City and County of Denver)
- Arapahoe
- Eighteenth Judicial District
- Douglas
- Recently moved into a newly created judicial district separate from Arapahoe; confirm the current office with the county
- Jefferson
- First Judicial District (Jefferson and Gilpin counties)
- Adams
- Seventeenth Judicial District (Adams and Broomfield counties)
A practical way to approach it
- Ask for a victim advocate.Before responders leave, or by calling the agency afterward, ask whether a victim advocate is assigned and how to reach them.
- Ask about cleanup before you hire.Ask the advocate whether cleanup costs may be eligible, whether there are limits, and what must be submitted, such as itemized invoices.
- Check your property insurance too.Compensation programs often expect other sources, like insurance, to be used first. Report the claim to your insurer as well.
- Choose a provider who documents well.Itemized invoices, photos and a written scope make both insurance and compensation applications easier.
- Keep copies of everything.Save receipts, the police report number and all correspondence in one folder or envelope.
Questions to ask a cleanup provider in this situation
- Can you provide an itemized invoice that a victim compensation program or insurer will accept?
- Will you wait for approval, or do you require payment before work begins?
- Will you work with the victim advocate if they need information from you?
- How will you protect privacy, including vehicle markings and conversations with neighbors?
- Will personal items, documents and photographs be set aside for the family?
Common questions
- Does the person who caused harm have to be convicted first?
- Compensation programs generally do not require a conviction, but they do have reporting and cooperation requirements. Ask the advocate for the current rules.
- Is there a deadline to apply?
- Programs usually have filing deadlines. Ask the DA's victim compensation staff early so a deadline does not pass while you are coping with everything else.
General information for the Denver area, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.