In law enforcement, every piece of evidence tells part of a story. Whether it’s a fingerprint, a firearm, or a digital device, the way evidence is handled can make or break a case. That’s why evidence lockers solutions are one of the most critical investments any police department, sheriff’s office, or government agency can make.

When physical evidence is misplaced, mishandled, or improperly secured, the chain of custody is compromised—and with it, the credibility of the entire case. To maintain integrity, agencies must rely on advanced, reliable systems that ensure evidence is safe, organized, and properly tracked from collection to the courtroom.

At Bradford Systems, we deliver industry-leading evidence lockers that are purpose-built for public safety. With multiple types of lockers and mobile shelving designed to meet specific needs—from temporary evidence storage to refrigerated units—our solutions provide secure, compliant, and flexible systems for agencies of all sizes.

Why Evidence Lockers Are Essential

Evidence lockers are not just about storage—they are about accountability, security, and maintaining justice. Proper evidence handling requires a clear chain of custody that documents the use of your information, who had access, when, and for what purpose, utilizing mobile storage systems for efficient organization.

Without secure lockers, evidence can be exposed to theft, tampering, or accidental loss. In court, even the perception of compromised evidence can lead to acquittals, mistrials, or thrown-out cases.

Key Functions of Evidence Lockers:

• Chain of custody protection – lockers ensure evidence passes securely from officer to property room staff.
• Tamper-proof design – prevents unauthorized access.
• Controlled access – restricts evidence handoff to designated staff only.
• Specialized storage – from biological samples to large equipment, lockers adapt to varied evidence types.

Types of Lockers Bradford Systems Provides

Bradford Systems partners with Spacesaver to deliver a wide range of evidence lockers, each tailored to different operational needs.

Pass-Thru Lockers

Pass-Thru lockers are installed in the wall between the drop-off area and the evidence room. Officers deposit items from one side, while evidence technicians and property room staff retrieve them from the secure side.

• Benefits:
  • Direct chain of custody transfer
  • Officers never enter the evidence room
  • Reduces unauthorized access

This is ideal for agencies that need a clear, seamless separation between evidence intake and property management.

Non-Pass-Thru Lockers

Non-Pass-Thru lockers function as temporary evidence storage, often placed in common areas where officers deposit evidence. Authorized staff then remove items directly from the front of the lockers.

• Benefits:
  • More flexible installation
  • Lower-cost alternative to wall-integrated lockers
  • Secure drop-off with no need for direct staff interaction

Non-pass-thru lockers are a practical choice for smaller agencies or facilities without dedicated evidence rooms.

Refrigerated Lockers

Some evidence—like blood, DNA samples, or biological materials—requires biological evidence storage in refrigerated conditions to preserve its integrity. Refrigerated evidence lockers provide temperature-controlled conditions with lockable inserts while maintaining the chain of custody.

• Benefits:
  • Ensures perishable evidence remains viable
  • Lockers feature tamper-proof doors
  • Supports criminal investigations involving biological or toxicology samples

These are vital for forensic divisions and any case requiring lab-tested evidence.

Custom-Size Lockers

Not all evidence fits neatly into standard compartments. Large items like firearms, duffel bags, or even bicycles require oversized or uniquely configured lockers. Bradford provides custom evidence lockers that can be built to fit virtually any size requirement.

• Benefits:
  • Flexible configuration
  • Combination of small, medium, and large compartments
  • Tailored to agency inventory needs

Custom lockers allow agencies to future-proof their storage as case demands evolve.

Smart Lockers (Electronic Access)

Technology has transformed evidence management. Smart lockers feature electronic locks, RFID integration, and digital audit trails. These advanced systems can record every access attempt, time-stamp transactions, and send alerts to administrators, ensuring small files and information are securely stored on your computer’s hard drive.

• Benefits:
  • Automated logging of the chain of custody
  • Greater security through PIN, card, or biometric access
  • Data integration with agency records management systems

Smart lockers bring automation and accountability together, ensuring total transparency.

How Lockers Protect the Chain of Custody

The chain of custody is the backbone of the criminal justice process. Without airtight evidence handling, even the strongest case risks collapse. Bradford’s lockers are designed specifically to preserve this chain through:

• One-way deposit systems that prevent officers from retrieving items once deposited in their current form.
• Secure key or electronic access for property staff only.
• Audit logs in smart systems that provide a full record of evidence movement.
• Tamper-evident construction with reinforced steel and locking mechanisms.

These safeguards eliminate gaps and give prosecutors full confidence that evidence remains untampered.

Real-World Applications

• Small Police Departments: Benefit from non-pass-thru lockers with multiple compartments for easy, secure intake.
• Large Metropolitan Agencies: Rely on pass-thru and smart lockers to handle large evidence volumes.
• Forensics Divisions: Require refrigerated evidence lockers for biological sample integrity.
• Specialized Units: Leverage custom-sized lockers for firearms, narcotics, and oversized evidence.

Why Partner with Bradford Systems?

Bradford Systems has decades of experience serving the public safety community. We don’t just sell lockers—we deliver complete weapons storage and evidence storage solutions tailored to your facility, workflow, and budget. From consultation to installation and ongoing support, Bradford ensures your department has the right tools to protect justice.

By partnering with Spacesaver, a leader in storage innovation, Bradford provides the most advanced and durable systems available—designed with input from real law enforcement professionals.

Final Thoughts: Evidence Storage as the Cornerstone of Justice

Every criminal case begins with evidence. Protecting that evidence ensures not only the integrity of investigations but also the trust of communities and the fairness of trials.

Bradford’s comprehensive range of evidence lockers—from pass-thru and non-pass-thru to refrigerated and smart systems—give agencies the security and flexibility they need to preserve chain of custody in every situation.

Ready to modernize your evidence storage? Contact Bradford Systems today to schedule a complimentary consultation. Our team will help design a customized evidence locker solution for your agency—ensuring every piece of evidence is secure, compliant, and ready to support justice.