New ‘intelligent’ cabinet lock

C.a.s.C Ltd has announced the launch of its new intelligent cabinet locking solution, which is able to keep track of stored items. The storage cabinets actively manage and control users’ access and record the details of the individuals gaining entry to each locker.

Staffordshire is the first customer of C.a.s.C’s Intelli-Store solution, which incorporates Servocell’s low-powered Active Latch technology.

Recently, the Home Office issued a directive that, in order not to compromise the system, each police force would be advised to have ‘total traceability’ of its Airwave radios – for example, who has each terminal, where it was previously, where and when it was signed back in and by whom. With all mobile communications being linked over a private network at a national level, the risks associated to the force’s security when a radio is lost is immense. In the event of one being misplaced, it must then be disabled immediately at some considerable cost.

In response to the directive, Staffordshire successfully trialled C.a.s.C’s new solution for the access control of its Airwave radios which are available to its officers and Special Constables. The new locking solution for the individual lockers was developed around a software system which links access control details to officers’ warrant cards – based on barcode identity – to each radio phone which is similarly identified.

The intelligent locking system works when an officer logs-in to a networked computer adjacent to the wall of cabinets using a barcode reader to formally identify themselves. The reader then grants access to the locker in which the radio handset is stored and automatically records the name of the officer, the date and time that the locker was opened and the phone removed and where, when and by whom the terminal is replaced.

The total traceability of the system is vital in securely managing Staffordshire’s critical resource, providing the intelligence required to prevent the force’s security being breached. Servocell’s Active Latch technology is a very low-powered solution. It ensures that the cabinets are powered-up constantly and continue to operate – even in the event of a power failure – due to internal backup batteries that can support the system for many hours.

The pilot project with the Airwave radio cabinets was such a success that Staffordshire is now working with C.a.s.C to provide the total traceability cabinet lock solution for its fleet of patrol vehicles. The system would only grant users access to keys for cars which they are qualified to drive and would record the name, date and time each time keys were removed and returned. Other possible applications of the system for the force include the secure storage of evidence, confiscated drugs, CCTV and interview tapes.

“We recognise that taking an innovative approach to our own management for individual items could make a significant difference to the overall security and efficient running of our force,” said Simon Bryan, IT Manager for Staffordshire Police. “The Airwave radio lockers are the start of a process of advancement that we hope will see Staffordshire Police Force leading the way in the adoption of technological innovation for advanced security.”

Richard Croft of C.a.s.C. added: “We are highly committed to developing the best solutions for our customers and partnering with Servocell has enabled us to provide an extremely low-powered, secure and fail-safe system. Due to their versatile nature and unique traceability function, the cabinet locks will be vital to any industry where access to items and substances must be closely monitored and controlled.”