When it comes to managing an evidence room, space is only part of the equation. Organization, security, and accessibility are just as important. Every piece of evidence — whether it's a firearm, a set of keys, or even a door — plays a role in an investigation. If it's misplaced, damaged, or difficult to retrieve, it can impact a case.
Here's the reality: Many evidence rooms are packed to the brim, disorganized, and running on outdated systems. Officers and clerks waste time digging through clutter, and without proper security chain of custody can be compromised. A well-organized evidence room isn't just about storage. It's about keeping cases on track and ensuring justice is served.
That's where the right evidence room storage ideas come in. With better storage solutions, law enforcement agencies and court systems can maximize space, improve security, and make evidence retrieval faster and easier. Whether it's high-density shelving, lockable storage, or digital tracking, upgrading your evidence room can make a world of difference.
Case in Point: Knox County Court's Evidence Room Overhaul
For years, the Knox County Criminal Court in Tennessee faced these exact challenges. Their evidence room was so overcrowded that staff had to step over items just to get around. The only person who knew where everything was? A single employee who relied on index cards — yes old-school library-style index cards — to track thousands of pieces of evidence.
Mike Hammond, Knox County's Criminal Court Clerk, knew they needed a better approach to evidence room storage. "We knew we had to do something," Mike said. "I knew that Patterson Pope had done some other work for Knox County, including a state-of-the-art forensics center. So I went over there and took a look at what they had done. As soon as I saw it, I was impressed. I knew I wanted us to have something similar for the evidence room."
With the help of Patterson Pope, Knox County overhauled its storage system, transforming a chaotic, overstuffed room into a streamlined, high-efficiency evidence storage space. Their transformation is just one example of how smart evidence room storage ideas can make all the difference.
Now, let's take a look at some of the biggest challenges in evidence storage — and the best ways to solve them.
Common Challenges in Evidence Room Storage
Every evidence room has unique challenges, but some issues are universal. From overcrowding to security risks, these problems can slow down investigations, create compliance risks, and make evidence retrieval a frustrating process. Here are the biggest hurdles law enforcement agencies face — and how the right storage solutions can help.
1. Overcrowding
Evidence rooms fill up fast, especially when agencies must retain items for years or even decades. With limited space and growing inventories, it's easy for rooms to become cluttered, inefficient, and difficult to navigate.
Knox County's evidence room was so packed that staff had to step over items just to move around. Without proper storage solutions, space constraints made organization nearly impossible.
2. Poor Organization
A disorganized evidence room means wasted time, frustration, and even the risk of misplaced evidence. Many agencies still rely on paper logs or outdated tracking methods, making it difficult to retrieve items quickly when they're needed most.
Knox County's entire inventory was tracked using library-style index cards — a slow, outdated system that depended on one person's memory.
3. Security Concerns
Weapons, narcotics, and cash require strict security measures to prevent loss, tampering, or unauthorized access. Without locked storage, barcode tracking, or restricted access zones, evidence can be at risk — jeopardizing cases and the chain of custody.
Knox County's previous system lacked proper security features, increasing the risk of mishandling sensitive evidence.
4. Inefficient Use of Storage Systems
Not all evidence is small and easy to store. Bicycles, furniture, safes, and other large items take up valuable space, and traditional shelving isn't designed to accommodate these oversized pieces. Without a flexible storage system, bulky evidence can quickly consume the entire room.
Knox County lacked a structured system for large or irregularly shaped evidence. Items were stacked haphazardly, making access difficult and storage inefficient.
The good news? These challenges can be solved with the right evidence room storage ideas. Let's take a look at the best storage solutions for organizing, securing, and optimizing evidence rooms, featuring the same real-world strategies that transform Knox County's system.
Evidence Room Storage Ideas for Maximum Efficiency
Now that we've identified common challenges, let's explore the best evidence room storage ideas that can help solve them.
1. High-Density Mobile Shelving for Space Efficiency
- Moves on rails to maximize storage capacity in small rooms.
- Reduces wasted aisle space while keeping everything accessible.
- Knox County's Approach: Before the upgrade, staff had to step over items just to move through the room. High-density mobile shelving created organized, accessible aisles without wasting space.
2. Lockable Storage for Security
- Weapons racks & lockable drawers secure firearms, narcotics, and high-value items.
- Prevents unauthorized access and improves chain of custody tracking.
- Knox County's Approach: The new system included secure compartments, eliminating the risk of evidence mishandling.
3. 4-Post Shelving for Better Organization
- Creates dedicated zones for different evidence types (e.g., firearms, narcotics, documents).
- Wire rods & 4-post shelving keep evidence separated and easy to retrieve.
- Knox County's Approach: Before, evidence was stored randomly, making retrieval difficult, Now, everything has a designated place.
4. Digital Cataloging & Barcode Tracking
- Moves from paper-based index cards to computerized tracking.
- Makes evidence retrieval faster and more reliable.
- Knox County's Approach: Staff can now find evidence instantly using a digital inventory system instead of relying on memory or manual records. "Before, if someone needed an item, we had to rely on one person's memory," said Mike Hammond. "Now, we know at the tap of a button."
Knox County didn't just implement these solutions in theory — they put them into action. Here's how they transformed their evidence storage system.
The Knox County Court Evidence Room Transformation
"A lot of this evidence will be here for another 15, 20, or even 50 years," said Mike Hammond. "So we wanted to do two things: First, we wanted to make sure we used every square inch of this evidence room to its full potential. We knew we weren't going to expand, so we had to be precise with our planning. Second, we wanted to make sure this evidence room could be used for the next few decades. Expandability was crucial."
Before installation, the entire collection was counted, identified, and cataloged — a process long overdue. Evidence was temporarily moved to an empty courthouse, giving the team a rare chance to start fresh.
The new system included:
- High-density mobile shelving to maximize space.
- 4-post shelving with wire rods for organized storage.
- Lockable drawers for securing sensitive evidence.
- Weapons racks & dedicated zones for categorized storage.
"It wasn't just about organization, it was about making access easier," said Scott Bertini, Regional Account Manager for Patterson Pope. "Everything now has a home, and there's room for growth." With a secure, efficient, and expandable storage solution, Knox County's evidence room is now built to serve law enforcement for decades to come.
A Better Approach to Evidence Storage
If your evidence room is overcrowded, disorganized, or difficult to navigate, it might be time for a change. The right storage solutions — whether it's high-density shelving, secure lockers, or digital tracking — can make a huge difference in how evidence is stored, accessed, and protected.
Looking for a better way to store and manage evidence? Patterson Pope can help. Contact a representative today to learn more about the best storage solutions for your facility.
