Lock it Up: Optimize Evidence Management with Spacesaver Evidence Lockers

Law enforcement works hard to lock up criminals — but to do so, they also need to lock up evidence. Lost or compromised evidence can derail investigations and end careers. Failure to secure a chain of custody can be catastrophic for criminal justice processes and law enforcement agency credibility.

While agencies are acutely aware of the need to reliably protect the chain of custody for evidence, challenges remain. Modern law enforcement must still juggle:

• Limited space: Evidence storage areas are filling up fast.
• Resource constraints: A limited number of evidence technicians manage large amounts of evidence.
• Collaborative handling: Evidence moves through many hands, from officers to technicians, to legal teams.
• Diverse evidence:  Some items are large, fragile, or hazardous, and need special storage.
• Strict storage rules: Each jurisdiction has specific protocols for evidence release, retention, and disposal.
• Changing technology: New electronic systems offer many benefits, but the learning curve can be steep.

Even with these hurdles, secure and efficient evidence management is non-negotiable. That's why Spacesaver evidence lockers ensure a secure chain of custody and improve the evidence management process across police departments and public safety agencies.

Spacesaver evidence lockers feature heavy-duty, welded construction with advanced security options. Fully enclosed compartments prevent cross-contamination and multi-point latch mechanisms secure both the door and the frame. Self-closing doors with anti-pry tabs further ensure secure storage, while keyless or electronic locks offer easy, unattended access.

With compartment sizes that fit everything from small personal items to large or even temperature-sensitive evidence, agencies can tailor a storage solution to their operations.

Pass-Thru vs. Non-Pass-Thru Lockers

Pass-Thru (PT): With lockers built into a shared wall between the evidence drop-off area and the secure property room, officers deposit evidence from one side, and evidence technicians retrieve it from the other.

A full-size rear door makes it easy for evidence technicians to access and reset compartments. An optional front lock-out system prevents unauthorized access by locking the front doors whenever the rear door is open.

Non-Pass Thru (NPT): With lockers mounted against a wall, authorized individuals deposit and retrieve evidence from the same side. These lockers feature push-button keyless locks and master key options for evidence retrieval. Often, they can be converted to pass-thru lockers if departmental needs change. 

Locking Systems

Keyless locking systems allow for unattended evidence deposits without requiring keys. Features include a multi-point locking system on all doors and push-button, keyless locks on front doors (NPT configurations are keyed differently, with master key access for technicians.)

ControLoc® locking systems enhance accountability by tracking user and door activity, generating on-demand reports, and offering remote monitoring capabilities. Systems provide five modes of operation with access options through card readers or numeric keypads.

Specialized Storage:

Refrigerated evidence lockers maintain biological samples at a constant 38 to 42 degrees Fahrenheit and work in both pass-thru and non-pass-thru setups. Built-in digital alarms monitor temperature fluctuations, and lockable inserts accommodate different types and sizes of evidence.

Narcotics evidence lockers follow best practices from the International Association for Property and Evidence, offering security and ventilation to ensure technicians and officers remain safe from exposure to hazardous fumes, particles, and contaminants.

Simplifying Evidence Handling