Fortress Plus Solutions is a specialized provider of secure evidence and property storage solutions tailored for law enforcement agencies. The company addresses the critical need for long-term, climate-controlled storage facilities that adhere to strict chain-of-custody protocols, ensuring the integrity and security of sensitive materials.
Key Strategic Focus
The company's strategic focus centers on delivering comprehensive storage and management services for evidence and property. This includes long-term evidence storage, document and record storage, and specialized handling of sensitive items such as sexual assault kits and DNA evidence. Fortress Plus Solutions employs advanced security measures, including 24/7 monitoring, access control systems, and fire suppression technology, to maintain the highest standards of safety and confidentiality.
Services Offered
- Long-Term Evidence Storage: Secure storage solutions for law enforcement agencies at all levels, ensuring strict chain-of-custody protocols.
- Document and Record Storage: State-of-the-art facilities equipped with advanced security features to protect valuable documents and records.
- Sexual Assault Kit & DNA Evidence Storage: Specialized storage solutions for sensitive evidence types, maintaining optimal conditions for preservation.
- Climate-Controlled Storage: Facilities designed to meet specific evidence storage requirements, adhering to NIST guidelines.
- Seized Evidence Management: Comprehensive solutions including towing, transportation, custody inventory, secure storage, and inventory management.
- Odd-Shaped and Large Item Storage: Secure storage for items ranging from vehicles to oversized equipment.
- Secure Outdoor Storage: Outdoor storage options with ample space for vehicles, boats, and motorcycles, equipped with state-of-the-art security features.
- Secure Transportation: Safe and secure transportation services for evidence and sensitive materials, employing strict chain-of-custody procedures.
- Evidence Room Audits: Services designed to help law enforcement organizations maintain accurate and compliant evidence room inventory records.
- Expert Testimony: Comprehensive range of expert testimony services in fields such as evidence handling, forensic analysis, and crime scene investigations.
- Cold Case and Major Case Review: Services including reviewing case files, conducting interviews, re-examining crime scenes, and developing new investigative leads.
- Polygraph Services: Experienced and certified polygraph examiners providing services for criminal investigations, employment screening, insurance claims, and more.
Leadership Team
- Mike Gillespie, Chief Executive Officer: An entrepreneur with a diverse portfolio, including an auto dealership, internet company, and real estate properties. He has served on several industry and nonprofit boards, including the American Cancer Society and Shriners Hospitals for Children.
- Matt Gainer, Chief Revenue Director: Over 25 years of law enforcement experience with the Illinois State Police, Major Crimes Task Force, and Chicago Heights Police Department. He is a Certified Property and Evidence Specialist and has served as President of the Illinois Homicide Investigators Association.
- Joe Altman, Evidence Property Custodian: Retired after 20 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, with over seven years of experience in evidence management. He is a Certified Property and Evidence Specialist.
- Carlos Gantes, Warehouse Operations: Manages day-to-day external operations, ensuring efficient logistics management.
- Hailey Rae, Marketing Director: Holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a focus on Management and Marketing from the University of Kentucky. She is also a Certified Property and Evidence Specialist.
- John Tufo, Consultant: Over 25 years of experience in sales and business management, specializing in client relationships and sales growth.
- Tim Gainer, Consultant: Over 25 years of law enforcement experience with the Illinois State Police, previously serving as Director of the Major Crimes Task Force and as a board member of the Illinois Homicide Investigators Association. He is a Certified Property and Evidence Specialist.
Competitor Profile
In the secure evidence storage and management sector, Fortress Plus Solutions faces competition from various providers offering similar services. Key competitors include companies specializing in evidence storage, document management, and secure transportation services tailored for law enforcement and government agencies. These competitors focus on maintaining strict chain-of-custody protocols, advanced security measures, and compliance with industry standards to ensure the integrity and security of stored materials.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
Fortress Plus Solutions collaborates with law enforcement agencies at federal, state, and local levels to provide tailored storage and management solutions. The company adheres to standards set by organizations such as the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), ensuring compliance and best practices in evidence storage and preservation.
Operational Insights
The company's unmarked, high-security facility is located in the greater Chicago area, providing restricted access to authorized personnel only. The facility is monitored 24/7/365 for fire, unauthorized entry, and interior climate changes, with climate-controlled zones offering customizable storage areas for various types of evidence and property.
Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions
Fortress Plus Solutions aims to expand its services by offering additional support to investigative personnel through training courses on cold and major case reviews. The company plans to leverage its expertise to assist agencies in working more efficiently and effectively, thereby enhancing its position as a trusted partner in evidence and property management.
Contact Information
- Website: Fortress Plus Solutions
