Public Safety and the Knox Box System

The City of Sandy Springs and its first responders (police, fire and EMS) utilize a rapid entry system called the Knox Box (Knox Rapid Entry System).

During an emergency, first responders need  quick, unimpeded access to the scene. Yet, access is increasingly becoming a problem with the growing trend of gated communities, businesses and individual homes.  While these gates provide many with a sense of security, they can increase a first responders response times and breaking a gate open or climbing over the fence can lead to injury.

Used by police and fire departments throughout the country, the primary component of the Knox Rapid Entry System is a key box unique to the jurisdiction in which it is located. Only the Sandy Springs Police, Fire and EMS have access to boxes used in Sandy Springs. Use of the system may improve emergency service to building owners and occupants, and can result in savings by eliminating property damage from fire department forced entry.

The city makes your safety and security a priority, that’s why the city has an ordinance that if your community (single housing and multi-family housing), business or individual homes have a controlled access gate, you must have a Knox Box System in place. If you already have a Knox Box System in place, it must be in working order.  If you are supposed to have a Knox Box System and don’t, or if you have one and it is not working correctly, you will get cited by the Sandy Springs Fire Department.  Since it is a city ordinance, the liability will also fall on you.

If you have any questions about the Knox Box System, please contact me.

Officer Larry Jacobs is the Crime Prevention Officer for the Sandy Springs Police Department.  He can be reached directly at ljacobs@sandyspringsga.gov.