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Why RFID is the Future of Evidence Management

A Look at PADtrax for Law Enforcement

As law enforcement agencies face growing caseloads, a wider range of evidence types, and rising expectations for transparency, the need for a powerful evidence management system has become critical. Barcode systems have served for years, but RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) — especially with solutions like PADtrax from C&A Associates — now offers major benefits that significantly enhance both efficiency and accountability.

The Changing Demands of Evidence Management

Evidence rooms must now manage everything from firearms and narcotics to digital files and bulky property — all while meeting high standards for security, environmental control, and protocol. As agencies grow, manually scanning barcodes becomes inefficient and risky due to the need for line-of-sight and item-by-item handling.

PADtrax RFID: A Leap Forward in Technology

Developed by C&A Associates, PADtrax is an RFID-based system made specifically for law enforcement needs. Unlike barcodes, passive RFID tags don’t require line-of-sight and can be scanned in bulk, drastically reducing time spent on audits and boosting accuracy.

Key Advantages Over Barcodes

• Efficiency: Agencies report shrinking multi-day audits to just one day. Batch scans can cover shelves or whole rooms in minutes.
• Chain of Custody Integrity: All interactions are automatically logged in real time, with entry/exit point readers detecting unauthorized movements.
• Error Reduction: Automates data capture to eliminate manual entry and scanning errors common with barcodes.
• Labor Savings: Staff no longer have to scan each item by hand, freeing resources and saving time — especially important for departments with limited staff or budgets.
• Scalability: Whether managing hundreds or tens of thousands of items, PADtrax grows with agency needs and integrates with RMS or JMS systems.
• Secure Transfers: Tracks evidence across facilities using RFID portals and handheld devices for full control during transport.

Real-World Impact

A testimonial from an anonymous agency user:

“We just conducted an audit in our evidence unit that would normally take multiple days — with RFID, it was done in one day. For the last 3 years, we’ve never lost track of an item. That peace of mind is priceless. I highly recommend smaller agencies consider switching to RFID.”

Costs: More Affordable Than You Think

RFID is no longer prohibitively expensive. Tag costs have dropped to $0.30–$0.45 each, and labor savings often offset the investment quickly. Compared to the time and risk involved with barcode systems, PADtrax offers long-term value and peace of mind.

Choosing the Right Solution

The Department of Homeland Security’s SAVER report highlights PADtrax for:

• Easy deployment
• Integration capabilities
• Law enforcement-focused design

When selecting a system, agencies should look for scalability, accountability features, and ease of use.

Final Thought

Upgrading to RFID with PADtrax isn’t just a tech decision — it’s a step toward greater transparency, efficiency, and justice system integrity. Whether you’re a large city or a small-town department, RFID isn’t the future anymore — it’s the new standard.