In law enforcement, every piece of equipment, key, and item of evidence carries critical importance—not only operationally but also legally. As agencies scale and face increasingly complex demands, traditional manual methods quickly fall short. Law enforcement agencies today require real-time tracking, automated workflows, and auditable accountability to maintain efficiency and compliance.  

Three leading agencies—the Oregon State Police, San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, and the Broward Sheriff’s Office—have successfully modernized their operations using Real Time Networks' AssetTracer and KeyTracer systems. Though their initial objectives varied—from evidence integrity and weapons management to frontline officer enablement—their experiences converge on a common insight: intelligent lockers and automated systems create smarter, more responsive policing. 

 

Table of Contents
  1. Oregon State Police: Statewide Smart Armory Management
  2. San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office: Automating Gear, Weapons, and Key Management
  3. Broward Sheriff’s Office: Ensuring Evidence Integrity Amid the Fentanyl Crisis
  4. Unified Benefits for Modern Law Enforcement
  5. Why Integration Matters: The Future of Policing

Oregon State Police:
Statewide Smart Armory Management       

Responsible for protecting over 4.2 million residents across diverse environments, Oregon State Police (OSP) faced fragmented firearm storage practices across 34 statewide locations. Their challenges included inconsistent tracking, compromised accountability, and operational inefficiencies stemming from varied storage solutions ranging from gun safes to locked closets. 

In 2022, OSP initiated a comprehensive overhaul, selecting Real Time Networks' AssetTracer UT Series Smart Armory after a thorough competitive evaluation. This robust system provided centralized weapon tracking, adaptable storage configurations, and real-time visibility of armory assets. 

Captain Casey Thomas remarked, “The deployment was a good team effort. It went efficiently given the sheer size and scope of the process.” Now, every firearm sign-out is logged, secure, and traceable, laying a scalable foundation for future asset management expansions.  

> Explore the full Oregon State Police case study

 

Oregon State Police headquarters building using key control and asset management technology for law enforcement operations
Secure armory management system in a correctional facility lobby enabling controlled access and automated reporting for police departments

San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office:
Automating Gear, Weapons, and Key Management 

Serving over 750,000 residents, San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office (SMC) needed adaptable yet centralized management of police gear, weapons, fleet keys, and operational equipment for their 800-plus personnel. "Manual tracking wasn’t working. Deputies at every bureau simply had too much gear coming and going every day for us to keep tabs on it all effectively,” explained Lt. Andrew Hui, Operations Group, San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office. 

Implementing AssetTracer and KeyTracer systems in 2021 dramatically streamlined their processes. Features like two-factor authentication, remote locker access, and real-time inventory updates empowered officers to independently access equipment, significantly reducing administrative burdens. 

“It was very easy working with Real Time Networks to develop the program into what we wanted from start to finish. It was very collaborative. Everything we asked for, we got,” added Lt. Hui. 

Sgt. Patrick Taylor, Operations Group, San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, noted, "I didn't realize it would be so easy to access everything." Results included faster shift transitions, improved equipment availability, and enhanced officer accountability. 

> Read more about San Mateo County’s operational improvements

 

San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office with patrol vehicles, showcasing law enforcement agency equipped with advanced key management systems
Law enforcement officer storing a sealed item in an electronic evidence locker with real-time tracking and chain of custody audit trail
Police officer accessing a secure electronic key cabinet to improve accountability and key tracking in law enforcement facilities

Broward Sheriff’s Office:
Ensuring Evidence Integrity Amid the Fentanyl Crisis     

Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO), serving nearly 2 million residents, faced critical challenges managing evidence, particularly amidst the rising risks associated with fentanyl exposure. Manual processes lacked the necessary accountability and chain-of-custody documentation essential for court procedures and officer safety. 

BSO adopted AssetTracer intelligent lockers specifically designed for evidence handling, ensuring comprehensive documentation of every interaction—deposit, retrieval, and chain of custody logs. Captain Brian Montgomery praised the system's effectiveness: “I was like, ‘This is literally everything we need for a court presentation.’ I can print out a report. It can tell me when evidence was deposited, what locker it went into, and who deposited it.” 

He further highlighted, “What appealed to us about AssetTracer was that it kept everyone accountable for following proper procedures.” This implementation significantly elevated evidence integrity, officer safety, and operational transparency, setting the stage for future expansions

> Discover Broward County’s enhanced evidence management

 

 

Broward County Sheriff’s Office building and fleet, illustrating smart locker and key tracking solutions for large law enforcement agencies
Real Time Networks AssetTracer intelligent locker system for controlled access to law enforcement equipment and mission-critical gear
Law enforcement officer authenticating access to an intelligent asset locker with badge ID for secure and auditable equipment control

 

Unified Benefits for Modern Law Enforcement 

Despite diverse operational contexts—from rural communities in Oregon to metropolitan Broward County—all three agencies realized critical common advantages: 

Enhanced Evidence Integrity

Comprehensive logs preserving chain-of-custody.

Heightened Accountability

PIN, RFID, or biometric access for traceability. 

Operational Efficiency

Automated, self-service systems improving resource availability.

Centralized Oversight

Simplified management without compromising local autonomy.

Regulatory Compliance

Detailed reports meeting CJIS, CALEA, and legal standards.

Scalable Infrastructure

Flexible design supporting evolving agency needs.

 

Why Integration Matters: The Future of Policing 

Integrated intelligent systems offer unprecedented control and insight for law enforcement. Agencies leveraging combined AssetTracer, KeyTracer, and evidence management solutions experience seamless workflows, unified data visibility, and significantly improved resource accountability. 

By adopting integrated solutions, agencies:

  • Reduce administrative overhead 
  • Enhance resource utilization 
  • Improve officer readiness 
  • Strengthen compliance and transparency 
  • Foster safer work environments 

Explore how your agency can benefit from Real Time Networks' comprehensive, intelligent asset management solutions designed explicitly for modern law enforcement operations. 

See What Smart Policing Looks Like in Action 

Want to see how intelligent asset and key management can work for your agency? Book a personalized demo and explore how Real Time Networks can help you improve accountability, officer safety, and operational efficiency. 

 

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Jay Palter

Jay Palter

Vice President of Marketing & Partnerships