Police departments are under constant pressure to enhance operational efficiency, modernize infrastructure, and foster stronger community engagement. For the Downers Grove PD in Illinois, these objectives converged into a transformative opportunity: a new state-of-the-art, multi-use municipal facility that prioritizes functionality, safety, and service. At the heart of this transformation? Smart, customized storage solutions tailored to the unique needs of officers, administrators, and support staff. The result is not just a well-organized police department—but a space that reflects the agency’s commitment to operational excellence and community care.
This blog explores how these comprehensive storage solutions enhanced the Downers Grove PD’s new facility, offering a blueprint for other agencies seeking smart public safety infrastructure upgrades.
A Unified Vision for Community and Efficiency
The new 80,900-square-foot, two-story municipal building in Downers Grove brings together three vital community support entities: the Police Department, Village Hall, and the administrative offices of Downers Grove Grade School District 58. Designed to foster collaboration and community access, this modern facility exemplifies what is possible when innovation meets thoughtful planning.
One key element in this transformation was ensuring that every square foot of the facility served a purpose—especially when it came to storage. From personal lockers to high-density evidence shelving, they were provided cutting-edge solutions that now support the department’s seamless day-to-day operations.
Locker Room Storage: Supporting Recruitment, Retention, and Readiness
For any police department, locker rooms are more than just places to store gear—they are critical spaces that influence recruitment, retention, and officer readiness. We outfitted the men’s and women’s locker rooms at Downers Grove PD with FreeStyle® Personal Storage Lockers that combine comfort, accessibility, and high-end functionality.
Key Features Include:
Ojmar OTS® Advance digital keyless locks for secure, trackable, and shared use.
Sloped tops to reduce dust buildup and misplaced items.
Integrated 20-amp power outlets for charging personal and professional devices.
ADA-compliant 48” access height and ventilation-enhancing louvers.
Wood bench drawers and modular shelving for ergonomic convenience.
These upgrades allow officers to efficiently transition between shifts, secure their gear, and feel supported in their work environment—creating a space that encourages pride and professionalism.
Gear and Duty Lockers: Quick Access, High Security
Strategically located between the break room and roll call area, a bank of 72 Gear and Duty Lockers enables officers to gear up quickly and get on the road. Whether it’s riot gear or weather-specific supplies, these lockers offer fast, reliable access—essential in high-pressure situations.
Outfitted with Ojmar OTS® Advance locks, these storage units eliminate the need for physical keys, making shift changes smoother and more secure. Administrators can easily track access, while officers benefit from user-specific codes for fast entry.
Evidence Storage: Maximizing Capacity and Chain of Custody
High-Density Mobile Shelving (HDMS)
In the evidence lab, RaptorRAC® Widespan Shelving is mounted on 10 rows of HDMS with Mechanical Assist controls, creating a high-capacity system that supports boxes, totes, gun cases, and more. The modular design ensures future flexibility, while the adjustable heights accommodate overhead pipes and varying evidence sizes.
Pass-Thru Evidence Lockers
Located near the holding area, Pass-Thru Evidence Lockers offer secure, touch-reduced transfer of evidence. Officers deposit items from one side, while technicians retrieve them from the other—streamlining processing and reducing liability.
Special features include:
Ojmar OCS® Pro locks for crash/temporary holding and passback capabilities.
USB-charging compartments for digital evidence preservation.
Refrigerated lockers for temperature-sensitive materials.
These evidence solutions are built not only for today’s requirements but also to accommodate tomorrow’s technological advances in digital forensics and evidence management.
Specialized Storage Across the Facility
Custodian Lockers
Located in a dedicated break room, six Day Use Lockers made from durable 18-gauge steel provide secure storage for maintenance staff. Each locker includes multiple hooks for organizing uniforms and tools, and Ojmar OCS® Pro locks for digital access tracking.
Holding Room Lockers
In the detainee holding area, nine Day Use Lockers secure personal items during processing. Two lockers are USB-equipped to preserve the integrity of digital evidence, and three distinct locker configurations accommodate varied item sizes.
Fitness Lockers
Serving both public safety professionals and school district personnel, twenty Day Use Lockers outside gym and restroom areas support flexible, session-based use. With Ojmar OCS® Pro digital locks, users can set personal codes for each use—ensuring security while promoting shared facility access.
Sustainability in Public Safety Facility Design
Environmental responsibility was a top priority in the design of Downers Grove’s municipal building. Sustainable features like rainwater cisterns, solar panels, and eco-conscious material selection are integrated throughout the space. Bradford Systems’ long-lasting, sustainably manufactured Spacesaver storage solutions align with these goals—offering durable products that support the community’s green initiatives for decades to come.
Why Storage Matters for Law Enforcement Agencies
The Downers Grove Police Department’s case study serves as a powerful reminder that storage is not just about organization—it’s about enhancing the overall function, morale, and safety of a department. By integrating purpose-built solutions into every aspect of the facility, the agency deliver on its promise of safety, service, and community trust.
Whether you’re planning a new facility, renovating existing infrastructure, or simply looking to improve operational efficiency, the right storage strategy can make a world of difference.
