Cities/Counties that use Knox Box

[jaysen]

I had an interesting call tonight that I didn't know the answer - imagine that.

In short, we received a call from the on-duty security guard for a gated community. Minutes before being dispatched, the security guard contacted a REPO agent who was inside the development repossessing a vehicle. The security guard asked the agent how he entered and was told he had a Knox box key.

Apparently the agent showed the security guard a set of keys, but obviously, the security guard had no clue what they looked like. The agent was GOA so I couldn't contact him. However, according to the security guard this same agent has entered the property through a gate that is "locked" to residents after certain hours, during those hours.

Which brings me to my question(s)... It was my understanding only persons issued Knox keys are FD and PD?

If this is the case, what section would you charge a person in possession? 496/485 PC?

I tried searching the penal code for the word "Knox" but it was nowhere to be found. I remember investigating a burg at a Fresh and Easy once where it wasn't until after reviewing the surveillance video we saw a subject use the knox to enter - scary.

[mixicus]

I do not know of a specific PC that would flag possession of a Knox Box key as a crime. However, unique keys are assigned to a department (FD or PD) by Knox. I'd bet the key is engraved with some sort of ID number like XXPD1234 by the department. If a person was in possession of the labeled key without a reasonable articulation it may be grounds for a PC496/485 or 466 arrest depending on the circumstances. A call to the WC of the dept to confirm Joe Blow is authorized to have a key would be a good step to build PC for an arrest.

[mikel7070]

I agree with Mixicus, unlawful possession of a key I would think would fall under 496, though 466 seems more appropriate if they simply possess/own it. I have yet to see anyone use a knox key, most common 466 I find on my burg investigations are bump keys and or shaved keys.

[thedrickel]

What if you caught somebody with a postal key, that could open mailboxes, and more importantly, key keepers.

[Sacmedic]

Odds are he got someone to make a copy despite the fact the keys are highly controlled. Strange, as most locksmiths don't even keep these blanks. We have to order them directly from Knox. Our keys don't have the agency name on them, just a secret code that Knox printed on them. If you ever get a chance to see the actual key you can call Knox with the numbers (if it has them) and they can tell you who it came from.

[sfpcservice]

I have dealt with these keys for years in my line and can tell you they are tightly controlled by Knox and do have a serial stamped in them. The law is not my line of work but if you found him with a key that had no serial it would at least not be cool with Knox.

Also, having lawfully entered businesses after hours to investigate alarms, most businesses also have also have security alarms so the key will only buy a couple of minutes for a crook. Most knox boxes are rigged for a tamper alarm.... Perhaps the community could wire this into the security officer's booth so he will at least know when the box is accessed.

[themood]

I'm a fireman in a pretty big city, and several years ago we almost re-keyed the city because one of our ambulances lost a Knox key. It was a BIG deal. If we came across someone with a knox key, we would definitely call you boys out to have a talk with him.