Manage Records with File Shelving for Police Records

Open File Shelving

A cost-effective method for improving file storage is converting to open file shelving. Open file shelves eliminate file drawers, use vertical space, and provide maximum flexibility. Open file shelving uses up to 60% less space than traditional file cabinets. And the shelves can be adjusted to store files of various sizes and store other materials such as boxes, binders, drawers, supplies, and more. Open file shelving units can be equipped with rolling security doors that raise and lower over the shelves, either manually, by remote control, or by a touchpad requiring an access code. You can read more about open file shelving here.

High-Density Storage Shelving

High-density file shelving is a popular solution for law enforcement file storage. While open file shelving reduces floor space requirements by up to 60%, high-density file shelving can reduce the floor space by up to another 50%. High-density file shelving mounts lateral file cabinets or open file shelves on floor tracks, allowing shelves to compact together, eliminating the static aisles between rows of shelves. High-density file shelving uses a moveable access aisle that is open when needed.

The high-density file shelving is available in either a hand crank rotating handle or a push-button powered option with safety features to protect personnel in the moveable aisle. Read about the advantages of high density shelving. 

Sliding File Shelving

Sliding file shelving is another cost-effective solution for storing police records in less floor space. Sliding file shelving stack units two or three rows deep on tracks, with the front file shelving units sliding laterally to allow access to the file units behind. Sliding file shelving is excellent for storing less frequently accessed files or file boxes on the back shelves and more frequently accessed records on the front shelves.

Sliding file shelving units can be equipped with rolling security doors to secure stored records, like stationary open file shelving. Sliding file shelves are available in various sizes and configurations to meet your space needs.

Sliding file units can mount your existing file cabinets on the rolling carriages, like the high-density file shelves. You can find more details about sliding file shelving here.

Pull-Out File Shelving

Pull-out file shelves are another versatile option for storing files in limited space. The compact shelving units slide out from the wall on wheels for quick access to stored records. Users can pull a shelf out from the wall using either a three-spoke hand crank or a pull handle. The rolling file cabinet shelves operate independently, enabling multiple users to access different shelving units simultaneously. In addition, key locks are available on the shelving units for increased security.

These units are great for optimizing storage in a small area. You can learn more about pull-out file shelving here.

Rotary File Cabinets

Rotary file cabinets are another unique way to store police records in limited space efficiently. These double-sided file cabinets revolve to allow access to both sides of the storage compartment. They also rotate closed to keep the contents secure when not in use.

These file cabinets provide immediate visibility to 50% of the stored records at a time. The cabinets are a great way to maximize storage capacity in a limited space. The double-sided design enables up to a 400% increase in storage capacity compared to traditional file cabinets in the same space. Rotary file cabinet interiors are adjustable and store different items, including top-tab files, boxed records, fingerprint cards, and binders. Security drawers and cabinet key locks are available for document security.

Powered Filing Carousels

Powered filing carousels are another unique option for efficient file storage for police records. These powered filing cabinets contain a series of vertically arranged revolving file shelves or drawers. At the push of a button, the shelves rotate to bring the desired shelf to the user at an ergonomically positioned work counter.

Powered filing carousels make efficient use of available storage space. With their vertical design, they turn overhead air space into storage space. Compared to traditional file cabinets, the file carousels offer over 50% savings in floor space.

Another benefit of the filing carousels is the increased access to stored files. The carousel brings the information directly to the user, eliminating the time it might take to search for traditionally stored files and the difficulty of accessing files on high or low shelves. And when it comes to security, the carousel has a lockable door and optional software to track file transactions. You can learn more about powered file cabinets here.

Police Records Document Scanning

While file shelves are a great way to optimize storage space for police records, it can also be worthwhile for some law enforcement agencies to consider making their records management paperless. Southwest Solutions Group provides professional and secure CJis certified document scanning services to digitize your records for greater security, quicker access, and immense savings on storage space and costs. You can learn more about our document scanning services here.