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Law Enforcement Evidence Storage Solutions
Secure evidence rooms, pass-through lockers, long-term storage shelving, and weapon tracking systems designed for police departments, sheriff offices, crime labs, and federal agencies.
What Is an Evidence Storage System?
An evidence storage system is a secure, organized facility designed to protect physical evidence from the moment it is collected through final disposition. Proper evidence storage supports chain of custody requirements, protects case integrity, and helps agencies pass audits and accreditation reviews.
Evidence rooms must accommodate a wide range of item sizes and types, from small drug samples and digital media to large items like bicycles, furniture, and weapons. A well-designed evidence room uses a combination of shelving, lockers, pass-through systems, and secure enclosures to handle every evidence category efficiently.
Material Handling USA works with law enforcement agencies across the country to design, supply, and install evidence storage solutions. We offer evidence room planning support, product recommendations, and project coordination from layout through installation.
Evidence Storage Products
Evidence Pass-Through Lockers
Dual-access lockers that allow officers to deposit evidence from the public side without entering the evidence room. Each compartment locks individually and can only be opened from the secure side by authorized evidence technicians. This supports proper chain of custody by documenting when and where evidence was deposited.
Evidence Shelving Systems
High-density shelving and mobile shelving systems that maximize storage capacity in limited evidence room space. Mobile shelving can recover up to 50% of floor space compared to static shelving, allowing agencies to store more evidence without expanding the room.
Weapon Storage Racks
Secure weapon storage for firearms, long guns, and edged weapons. Options include barrel-down rifle racks, pistol hangers, and lockable weapon cabinets. RFID weapon tracking systems can be added for automated check-in, check-out, and audit trail logging.
Drying Cabinets and Biological Evidence Storage
Ventilated drying cabinets for wet or biological evidence. Proper drying prevents contamination, mold growth, and DNA degradation. Cabinets can be configured with adjustable shelves, hanging rods, and air filtration for different evidence types.
Evidence Security Cages
Wire mesh security cages create controlled-access zones within evidence rooms. Cages can separate different evidence categories, restrict access to sensitive items, or create temporary staging areas. Cages are available with locking doors, access control hardware, and ceiling panels.
Large Item and Bulk Storage
Oversized evidence items like bicycles, furniture, electronics, and vehicle parts need dedicated storage areas. Cantilever racks, open shelving bays, and floor-level caged enclosures accommodate bulky items while keeping them organized and accessible for retrieval.
Evidence Room Design Considerations
Designing an evidence room involves more than choosing shelving. The layout must support efficient workflows, maintain security, and meet accreditation standards. Key considerations include:
- Chain of custody workflow – Design the room so evidence flows from intake (pass-through lockers) through processing, packaging, temporary storage, long-term storage, and disposition in a logical path.
- Access control – Limit who can enter the evidence room and specific zones within it. Electronic locks, card readers, and camera systems help document access.
- Environmental controls – Temperature and humidity control prevents degradation of biological evidence, electronics, and other sensitive materials.
- Capacity planning – Estimate current inventory, growth rate, and retention periods to size the room properly. Mobile shelving and vertical storage systems help extend room life without expansion.
- Special storage zones – Separate areas for narcotics, weapons, biological evidence, cash, and high-value items may be required by policy or accreditation standards.
- Disposal and purge workflow – A well-organized room makes it easier to identify evidence eligible for disposition, keeping the active inventory manageable.
Material Handling USA provides free evidence room planning assistance. We help agencies evaluate their current situation, estimate capacity needs, and select the right products for the space and budget.
Who Uses Evidence Storage Systems?
- City and municipal police departments
- County sheriff offices
- State police and highway patrol
- Federal agencies (FBI, DEA, ATF, US Marshals)
- Crime labs and forensic facilities
- District attorney and prosecutor offices
- Campus and university police
- Military law enforcement (CID, NCIS, OSI)
- Tribal police departments
- Coroner and medical examiner offices
Need Help Planning an Evidence Room?
Our team can help you design an evidence storage system that meets your agency’s capacity, security, and accreditation requirements.
Or call 1-800-326-4403
Why Choose Material Handling USA?
Expert Guidance
Our team helps you choose the right products for your application, facility, and budget. We work with you from planning through installation.
Trusted Brands
We partner with leading manufacturers to offer high-quality, durable products backed by real warranties and factory support.
Nationwide Service
Based in Utah with service across the U.S. We handle quoting, project coordination, delivery, and installation support.
Free Quotes
Request a no-obligation quote for any project. We provide layout assistance, product recommendations, and competitive pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is evidence pass-through storage?
Pass-through evidence lockers have two sides. Officers deposit evidence from the public side, and evidence technicians retrieve it from the secure side. This prevents unauthorized access to the evidence room and supports chain of custody documentation.
How much space can mobile shelving save in an evidence room?
Mobile shelving systems can recover up to 50% of floor space compared to static shelving by eliminating fixed aisles. Rows of shelving move on rails to create a single access aisle where needed.
Can evidence rooms be designed with different security zones?
Yes. Wire mesh cages, locked cabinets, and separate rooms within the evidence area can create distinct zones for narcotics, weapons, biological evidence, high-value items, and general evidence.
Does Material Handling USA install evidence storage systems?
Yes. We provide project coordination, product sourcing, and installation support for evidence room projects across the United States.
What accreditation standards apply to evidence rooms?
Standards vary by agency, but common frameworks include CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies) and state-specific accreditation requirements. A well-organized evidence room with proper security controls supports these standards.
Can RFID be used to track evidence?
RFID tracking systems can automate evidence check-in, check-out, and inventory audits. RFID tags on evidence containers or weapon racks provide real-time location data and automated audit trails.
How do I get a quote for evidence storage?
Contact Material Handling USA with your room dimensions, estimated evidence volume, and any specific requirements. We provide free layout assistance and product recommendations.
Ready to Improve Your Evidence Storage?
Material Handling USA can help you design a secure, organized evidence room that supports chain of custody requirements and maximizes available space.
Or call 1-800-326-4403