Roy Police Evidence Storage Success: 150% Capacity Increase with Mobile Shelving
When the Roy City Police Department in Utah ran out of evidence storage space in 2024, they faced a critical decision that would impact their operations for decades to come. Rather than building a costly expansion or renting off-site storage that could compromise chain-of-custody protocols, they chose a solution that would transform their existing 2002-era evidence room into a modern, high-density storage facility. The result? An astounding 150% increase in storage capacity without adding a single square foot of floor space.
This case study reveals how one forward-thinking police department turned a storage crisis into an opportunity for operational excellence—and why dozens of law enforcement agencies across Utah are now following their lead.
The Evidence Storage Crisis: A Ticking Time Bomb for Law Enforcement
If you’re managing evidence storage for a law enforcement agency, you already know the harsh reality: evidence accumulates faster than it can be disposed of. With DNA testing extending case timelines, digital evidence multiplying exponentially, and retention policies becoming more stringent, police departments nationwide are literally running out of room.
Roy PD’s evidence room, originally remodeled in 2002 with static shelving, had reached 100% capacity by early 2024. Evidence custodians were spending up to 20 minutes searching for single items, stacking boxes in corners, and worse—risking chain-of-custody violations due to overcrowded, disorganized conditions.
“We knew we had to act fast,” explains the department’s evidence manager. “Every day we delayed meant more risk to our cases and our department’s credibility.”
Why Traditional Storage Solutions Fall Short (And Cost More)
Before choosing mobile shelving for their Utah facility, Roy PD evaluated several alternatives:
- Building Expansion: $500,000+ cost, 18-month timeline, ongoing maintenance
- Off-Site Storage: $3,000+ monthly rental, chain-of-custody complications, access delays
- Traditional Static Shelving: Only 30% space utilization, no security features, limited growth potential
- Competitor Systems: Limited weight capacity, no local support, incompatible with existing infrastructure
The hidden costs of inadequate storage go beyond dollars. When evidence is misplaced, cases get dismissed. When retrieval takes too long, court proceedings are delayed. When security is compromised, department accreditation is at risk.
The Game-Changing Solution: High-Density Mobile Shelving
Roy PD’s prescient planning in 2002 paid off dramatically. Their original static shelving units were designed to be Aurora-compatible, meaning they could be retrofitted onto mobile carriages without replacing the entire system. This forward-thinking approach saved the department over $75,000 in equipment costs.
The transformation was remarkable. By mounting existing shelving onto mechanical-assist mobile carriages, the department:
- Eliminated 5 fixed aisles, creating one movable access aisle
- Increased storage capacity by 150% in the same footprint
- Added integrated locking mechanisms for enhanced security
- Incorporated weapons racks and evidence lockers within the mobile system
- Maintained full access during the phased installation process
Mobile Shelving vs. Competitors: The Clear Winner
While companies like Spacesaver and Datum offer mobile storage solutions, Material Handling USA’s manual mobile shelving systems provided unique advantages for Roy PD:
| Feature | Material Handling USA | Typical Competitors |
| Weight Capacity | 1,000 lbs per linear foot | 750-800 lbs average |
| Local Support | Utah-based team, same-day response | Out-of-state support, 3-5 day response |
| Retrofit Capability | Compatible with existing Aurora shelving | Often requires complete replacement |
| Installation Time | 3 days with phased approach | 5-7 days typical |
| Warranty | Lifetime on carriages | 10-15 years standard |
| Customization | Fully customizable configurations | Limited standard options |
The 6 Critical Benefits That Transformed Roy PD’s Operations
1. Dramatic Space Optimization (150% Capacity Increase)
By eliminating multiple fixed aisles, Roy PD more than doubled their storage capacity. What was once a completely full room now has room for 5+ years of growth. This single upgrade eliminated the need for a $500,000 building expansion.
2. Evidence Retrieval Time Cut by 75%
With organized, labeled shelving and integrated inventory software, evidence retrieval dropped from 15-20 minutes to under 5 minutes. That’s 60+ hours saved monthly—time that officers can spend on investigations instead of searching for evidence.
3. Enhanced Security & Chain-of-Custody Protection
The mobile shelving’s integrated locks turn the entire system into a vault. When compressed and locked, only authorized personnel can access evidence. This dual-layer security (room lock + shelving lock) exceeds CALEA accreditation standards.
4. Compliance with National Standards
The upgraded evidence room now meets or exceeds all professional standards required for modern law enforcement:
- CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies) requirements
- IAPE (International Association for Property and Evidence) accreditation standards – the gold standard for evidence room management
- State of Utah evidence handling protocols
- Federal chain-of-custody standards
5. Long-Term Preservation Capabilities
Biological evidence, DNA samples, and digital media require specific storage conditions. The new system provides:
- Proper ventilation for biological materials
- Climate-stable environment away from floor/ceiling extremes
- Adjustable shelving for various evidence sizes
- Specialized compartments for firearms and sensitive items
6. ROI in Under 2 Years
By avoiding off-site storage rental ($3,000/month = $36,000/year) and preventing just one evidence-related case dismissal (average cost: $50,000+), Roy PD’s investment paid for itself in less than 24 months.
Implementation: A Seamless 3-Day Transformation
Material Handling USA’s phased installation approach meant Roy PD never lost access to their evidence:
- Day 1: Rail system installation and first section of carriages
- Day 2: Shelving unit migration and carriage completion
- Day 3: Final adjustments, labeling, and staff training
The complete mobile shelving system included:
- Heavy-duty steel carriages rated for 1,000 lbs per linear foot
- Mechanical-assist handles for effortless movement
- Anti-tip mechanisms and safety locks
- ADA-compliant access features
- Integrated evidence tracking system compatibility
What This Means for Your Department
Don’t wait until your evidence room is at 100% capacity. Roy PD’s proactive approach saved them hundreds of thousands of dollars and prevented potential case compromises. If your department is experiencing any of these warning signs, it’s time to act:
- Evidence room at 75%+ capacity
- Items stored in hallways or temporary locations
- Retrieval times exceeding 10 minutes
- Upcoming accreditation reviews
- Budget constraints preventing expansion
- Chain-of-custody concerns
The Future of Evidence Storage in Utah
Roy Police Department’s successful transformation represents a growing trend among Utah law enforcement agencies. With evidence volumes increasing 20% annually and retention requirements extending, departments that don’t modernize their storage will face:
- Compromised investigations
- Failed accreditations
- Increased liability exposure
- Escalating storage costs
- Officer productivity losses
The question isn’t whether to upgrade your evidence storage—it’s whether you’ll do it proactively like Roy PD, or reactively after a crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much space can mobile shelving really save?
Mobile shelving typically doubles or triples storage capacity. Roy PD achieved a 150% increase, but some departments see up to 200% depending on their current configuration.
What about heavy items like firearms?
Our systems handle 1,000 lbs per linear foot—more than enough for weapons, ammunition, and heavy evidence. Specialized weapon racks integrate seamlessly into the mobile system.
Will this work with our existing shelving?
If you have Aurora or compatible shelving (like Roy PD’s 2002 system), retrofitting is often possible, saving significant costs.
How long does installation take?
Most evidence rooms transform in 3-5 days with our phased approach. You maintain evidence access throughout installation.
Take Action Before It’s Too Late
Roy Police Department’s evidence manager put it best: “We wish we’d done this sooner. The stress of managing an overcrowded evidence room affected our entire department. Now, we’re organized, secure, and ready for the future.”
Don’t let your evidence room become a liability. Material Handling USA offers free, no-obligation space assessments for law enforcement agencies throughout Utah. Our experts will evaluate your current storage, calculate your potential space savings, and provide a custom quote—all at no cost.
Get Your Free Evidence Storage Assessment
With over 30 years serving Utah law enforcement, Material Handling USA understands the unique challenges you face. We’re not just vendors—we’re partners in protecting your evidence, your cases, and your community.
Call (800) 326-4403 today or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. See why departments across Utah choose Material Handling USA for their evidence storage solutions.
Material Handling USA is Utah’s trusted provider of law enforcement storage solutions, specializing in high-density mobile shelving systems for evidence rooms. Serving Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, and all Utah communities.