Why Law Enforcement Agencies Are Switching to Portable AR-15 Locks

One Florida police department recently upgraded their patrol vehicle rifle storage by switching to the ScottLock™AR-15 vehicle lock system. Designed for law enforcement officers who operate out of unmarked or rental vehicles, the ScottLock provides a portable and secure way to lock your AR-15 to the lower receiver — eliminating the need for permanent mounts or bulky safes.

A few years ago, a North Florida law enforcement agency experienced a serious breach in rifle security. Over the span of several months, three rifles were stolen directly from department vehicles. One was taken from a marked unit, while the other two were stolen from unmarked vehicles.

In each case, the firearms had been mounted using permanent-style racks designed for quick access—but that accessibility came at the cost of real security.

The incidents sent shockwaves through the department. Leadership realized that while rapid access is important, it cannot come at the expense of preventing unauthorized access or theft. They began searching for a better solution—something that offered both portability and maximum security.

After conducting their own rigorous testing, the agency found what they were looking for in the ScottLock™ system. The department ultimately purchased a full bundle—ScottLock™, steel cable, and our rekeyable key padlock—for every deputy assigned a rifle.

Since migrating to ScottLock™, they haven’t had a single rifle stolen.

The lesson? A security system is only as strong as its weakest link. Permanent racks may offer speed, but the ScottLock™ bundle provides both security and peace of mind—especially for agencies operating unmarked vehicles or responding to evolving threats.

Want to learn more about how ScottLock™ can help your agency? Contact us here.