A Closer Look at Pass-Thru Evidence Lockers: Their Features and Advantages

Without smart technology, handling and storing evidence is a complex and often vulnerable process.

Traditional evidence storage methods, such as paper-based tracking systems, direct hand-offs from one person to another, single-access lockers, and unsecured drop-off locations such as desks or filing cabinets, come with significant risks.

Evidence can be tampered with, accountability gaps are hard to bridge, and manual processes frequently result in delays and human errors. In a legal landscape where the integrity of evidence can make or break a case, these vulnerabilities can have far-reaching consequences.

Fortunately, pass-thru lockers provide a secure solution for evidence storage and transfer.

What Are Pass-Thru Evidence Lockers?

Pass-thru evidence lockers are specialized storage units designed to streamline the handling and transfer of evidence in law enforcement, forensics, and other fields where maintaining the chain of custody is critical.

This type of smart locker allows evidence to be deposited on one side, usually by an officer, and retrieved on the other side, typically by an evidence custodian.

By eliminating direct hand-offs and providing a secure, compartmentalized system, pass-thru lockers significantly reduce the risk of tampering, contamination, and mismanagement.

Equipped with advanced security and tracking features, pass-thru lockers are an essential tool for organizations looking to enhance their evidence management systems.

With their various features, pass-thru evidence lockers offer several advantages.

What Are the Key Features of Pass-Thru Evidence Lockers?

Pass-thru evidence lockers are designed with several key features to meet the critical demands of evidence management.

Dual-Sided Access

With dual-sided access, evidence can be transferred without direct contact between individuals. This feature minimizes the risk of tampering or loss, while maintaining a clear, documented chain of custody.

Secure Locking Systems

To prevent unauthorized access, pass-thru evidence lockers are equipped with advanced security features, such as the integration of RFID cards, PIV cards, biometric authentication, and PIN codes. These smart technologies ensure tight access control, limiting entry to only authorized personnel.

Various Compartment Sizes

Pass-thru evidence lockers have compartments of various sizes to accommodate a wide range of evidence, from small items such as jewelry to large items such as firearms. This versatility enables all evidence to be securely stored, regardless of its dimensions.

Electronic Logging and Tracking Systems 

With an electronic tracking system that automatically logs deposits and retrievals, pass-thru evidence lockers provide a comprehensive record of all evidence handling. By automating the tracking process, these systems reduce the risk of human error and tampering, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and internal protocols.

Climate Control Options

For temperature-sensitive evidence, such as biological samples or electronics, pass-thru evidence lockers offer the option of climate-controlled compartments. This feature is beneficial for preserving the integrity of evidence by ensuring it remains in its original condition until it is needed.

What Are the Applications for Evidence Lockers?

Evidence lockers are used for various evidence storage and handling applications.

Police Departments

In police departments, evidence lockers streamline the process of logging and transferring evidence between officers and evidence custodians. By enabling secure, tamper-proof exchanges, these lockers reduce the risk of contamination or mismanagement, ensuring evidence integrity for investigations and court proceedings.

Forensic Laboratories 

Due to their controlled environment, forensic labs benefit greatly from evidence lockers. These smart systems simplify the transfer of samples, while maintaining their integrity and minimizing contamination exposure, which is crucial for achieving accurate and admissible results in legal cases.

Courthouses

Courthouses rely on evidence lockers to securely store and manage evidence presented during trials. These lockers ensure that items remain organized and accessible while preventing unauthorized access, which is important for maintaining public trust in the legal process.

Medical Examiners’ Offices

Medical examiners’ offices often handle sensitive and critical evidence, such as biological samples. Evidence lockers provide a secure method for transferring and storing these materials, ensuring they are preserved in their original state for examinations and legal documentation.

How Signifi Can Assist With Evidence Storage

At Signifi Solutions, we combine advanced technology and a user-centric design to redefine evidence storage solutions. Our evidence lockers come in multiple configurations, including pass-thru, non-pass-thru, and free-floating options, ensuring seamless adaptability to your specific needs.

With SOC-2 certification, our commitment to stringent compliance standards covers data security, privacy, and access control.

Our innovative SignifiVISION™ platform further enhances operations by offering real-time monitoring, analytics, and role-based access control. These features streamline the chain of custody, ensuring evidence integrity and traceability at every stage.

Take your evidence storage to the next level with our secure, reliable, and scalable solutions. Contact our team today to explore how we can support your unique needs.