Res. No. 46

Resolution calling upon the appropriate committee of the Council of the City of New York to hold hearings on the issues regarding the clean-up of crime scenes.

By Council Members Nelson, Baez and Stewart

Whereas, According to figures in the Mayor’s Management Report for Fiscal Year 2003, there were 147, 669 incidents of major felony crime in Fiscal Year 2003, which includes murder, manslaughter, robbery and felonious assault; and

Whereas, One of the little-known and little-discussed consequences of such statistics is that crime scenes must be cleaned, after all the evidence has been gathered and the police have completed their investigation; and

Whereas, Crime scenes, particularly those containing blood, create potential health hazards and should be cleaned and disinfected in a timely fashion; and

Whereas, Ensuring that such crime scenes are cleaned timely and properly is apparently the responsibility of the owner of the property on which the crime has occurred; and

Whereas, In light of the potential health hazards created by crime scenes, coupled with the financial and emotional drain on property owners who have the responsibility to clean up after a crime has been committed, a review of applicable regulations and law should be conducted to determine whether further action is needed to address this issue, including whether the City should have the responsibility to clean up potential health hazards created by crime scenes; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the appropriate committee of the Council of the City of New York hold hearings on the issues regarding the clean-up of crime scenes.