Key Control Policies Every Business Should Have in Place
Keys are often your first—and most overlooked—line of defense. Without a clear key control policy, it’s easy for Phoenix businesses to lose track of who has access, which keys were copied, and how many are unaccounted for.
At Affordable Security Locksmith And Alarm, we help businesses take control with professional key management systems and locking solutions that eliminate uncertainty and risk.
Need better key control? View our Phoenix commercial locksmith services
What Is a Key Control Policy?
A key control policy is a set of written procedures that define
Who can receive keys
How keys are issued, stored, and returned
What to do when keys are lost
When locks should be rekeyed
How duplicate keys are managed
It’s critical for organizations that value security, liability protection, and accountability.
Key Elements of an Effective Key Control Policy
1. Use Restricted Keyways
Install locks that use restricted or patented keyways—so duplicates can’t be made at hardware stores or without authorization.
We can track and control every key issued from our shop for your business.
2. Log Every Key Issued
Use a written or digital key log to document
Who received which key
When it was issued
What doors or areas it opens
When it was returned (if ever)
3. Assign Responsibility
Hold keyholders accountable. Only authorized managers should issue or collect keys. Require employees to sign a key receipt and responsibility form.
4. Limit Master Keys
Master keys should be issued only to trusted managers. If one is lost, rekey the affected doors immediately to avoid full-access breaches.
5. Collect Keys During Termination
Ensure every offboarding process includes key retrieval. If an employee fails to return keys, you may need to rekey affected locks—immediately.
6. Store Spare Keys Securely
Never leave spare keys in unlocked drawers, mailboxes, or under counters. We recommend
Lockable wall-mounted cabinets
Audit-controlled key boxes
Separate storage for high-value or restricted access keys
7. Rekey When Keys Are Lost or Stolen
One missing key can expose dozens of doors. Rekey locks or change codes immediately when keys are lost or stolen.
Best for These Businesses
Retail stores
Medical offices
Property management companies
Warehouses and distribution centers
Gyms, schools, and daycares
Office buildings with shared access
HOAs and commercial complexes
What Happens Without a Policy?
Unauthorized duplication
Former employees still have access
No accountability when keys go missing
Delayed response to security breaches
Insurance may not cover losses if negligence is proven
Phoenix Areas We Serve
We help businesses manage key control across
Ahwatukee
Downtown Phoenix
Arcadia
Maryvale
Biltmore
Camelback East
North and South Phoenix
And throughout Maricopa County
Take Control of Your Keys—Before Someone Else Does
Don’t let one lost or copied key become a security disaster. We’ll help you implement a full key control policy with hardware, procedures, and peace of mind.
Affordable Security Locksmith And Alarm – Phoenix
(602) 854-2766
affordablesecurityphoenix.com
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Want better key control in your workplace?
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