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116 <br /> Facility Standards for Evidence <br /> Heating, air conditioning, and ventilation system duct or registers should be constructed to <br /> prevent unauthorized entry into the secure storage area. <br /> • Location <br /> Vertical movement between floors may create both logistical and efficiency issues. <br /> • Layout <br /> A well-designed property room will provide office space for the property officer located <br /> outside of the actual evidence storage area. Having the office adjacent to the storage area <br /> provides a workstation that is not within the confines of the secure storage area. <br /> The layout of the long-term storage areas should include separate enhanced security areas <br /> for firearms, drugs, and money. Storage areas for general evidence should include <br /> specifically designated storage areas for envelopes, paper bags, boxes, long items, bulky <br /> items, biohazards, flammables, hazardous materials, items pending destruction, items <br /> pending auction, Found Property, and Property for Safekeeping. <br /> • Cold storage <br /> Refrigerator and freezer units should be equipped with an alarm system to indicate if there <br /> is a rise in temperature and/or equipment malfunction.The alarm should be monitored 24/7 <br /> by automatic notification to designated personnel. <br /> • Vehicles <br /> Ideally, all vehicles seized as evidence should be managed by the evidence custodian, <br /> utilizing the same controls, limited access, and documentation afforded to all other types of <br /> evidence. Vehicles stored outdoors should remain secure from the public. <br /> • Security <br /> No one other than property unit personnel should have keys or mechanical/electronic <br /> access to the property storage areas. <br /> A written access log should be maintained for ANYONE not assigned to the Property Unit. <br /> Key card access is also recommended to track entry and exit into the facility. <br /> All storage areas should be alarmed and monitored on a 24/7 basis. Storage rooms that <br /> contain guns, money and drugs should be separately alarmed or independently zoned area <br /> whenever possible. A separate silent duress alarm should be placed at the public release <br /> area if evidence is stored somewhere off sight. <br /> All doors into a secure area should be equipped with cameras in addition to those areas <br /> where guns, money and drugs are stored. Including cameras where evidence is deposited, <br /> such as counters and lockers, can validate when evidence was submitted as well as <br /> confirming that evidence was indeed submitted. Camera installation should be considered <br /> at the property release counter. Video equipment consisting of controllers and recording <br />