NCJ Number
206936
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 31 Issue: 8 Dated: August 2004 Pages: 36-38,40,42
Date Published
August 2004
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article describes how various law enforcement agencies throughout the country are using mobile systems to expand storage space for evidence while ensuring ease of access, safety, and security.
Abstract
DNA evidence permits the identification of suspects many years after they have committed crimes. This fact has led many legislatures to extend the statute of limitations on a number of crime types. This requires the storage and maintenance of evidence for longer periods, which in turn means that more storage space is required. To meet this need, the Palm Beach Sheriff's Office (Florida) doubled its evidence storage capacity and quadrupled weapons storage by installing five mechanical-assist mobile storage systems. A mobile system consists of storage units mounted on wheeled carriages that run on tracks, which eliminates the need for fixed aisles. The user pushes a button or turns a handle to open an aisle for access to the specific evidence needed. Thus, more evidence can be stored in a given amount of space by eliminating aisles. The need for improved security as well as increased storage space prompted a recent redesign of the Evidence Management Unit of the New Jersey State Police. Based on the advice of storage vendors, the agency introduced an electronic, high-density mobile system of storage. Now, more than 30 mobile storage units store 95 percent of the property and evidence inventory on adjustable, four-post shelving sized to optimize capacity based on container size. Excess space was allowed for future needs. A 2-year audit ensured that every item was barcoded and in the computer system. The cost of such a system can usually be paid in 2 years, and the savings are ongoing.