N.J. Admin. Code § 13:75-4.12

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 21, November 4, 2024

Section 13:75-4.12 - Crime scene clean-up

(a) The Office shall award compensation for the reasonable and necessary costs for cleaning a crime scene where criminally injurious conduct occurred, which costs have become the financial responsibility of the victim or claimant, and which are not reimbursed or reimbursable from any other source. For purposes of this section only a "claimant" includes a Good Samaritan who assists a victim during the immediate aftermath of the crime.

(b) Cleaning a crime scene means to remove, or attempt to remove, blood, dirt, stains, or debris from the crime scene by hauling and/or dumping, as a result of the crime or the processing of the crime scene. The reasonable out-of-pocket costs of cleaning supplies, equipment rental, and labor to clean the crime scene are also included.

(c) Compensation for crime scene clean-up shall be awarded for the victim's or claimant's personal residence and/or personal vehicle, leased or otherwise, where the criminal conduct and its resulting damage occurred. Places of employment or public access are excluded unless the victim or claimant has become financially responsible for the clean-up costs.

(d) Compensation awarded for crime scene clean-up costs shall not include replacement and/or repair expenses for personal property, other than as follows:

1. The Office may award compensation for the reasonable replacement value of bedding and clothing;

2. The Office may award compensation for the reasonable replacement value of furniture that has been rendered damaged or useless as result of the crime or the collection of evidence for purposes of investigating the crime; and

3. The Office may award compensation for the reasonable replacement value of carpeting, doors, windows, and locks.

(e) Compensation for crime scene clean-up shall be awarded solely through an eligible claim for compensation filed with the Office by, or on behalf of, a direct victim of a crime who has suffered an injury or death. Claims seeking only reimbursement for crime scene clean-up shall not be eligible for an award of compensation, but may be merged with and compensated through a crime-related eligible claim.

(f) An award of compensation for crime scene clean-up shall not exceed $ 4,000 in the aggregate.

N.J. Admin. Code § 13:75-4.12