NCJ Number
46049
Date Published
1976
Length
25 pages
Annotation
THE GUIDELINES PRESENT SECURITY STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS ESTABLISHED BY GOVERNING INSURANCE AGENCIES FOR FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS; PROBLEMS OFTEN ENCOUNTERED WITH THESE STANDARDS; AND SPECIAL PROBLEMS OF EXTORTION AND ROBBERY.
Abstract
INSURANCE REGULATIONS MANDATE SECURITY ALARM SYSTEMS, BAIT MONEY FOR TELLERS' CAGES, A SECURITY OFFICER IN EACH BANK, AND OTHER PROTECTION MEASURES. HOWEVER, THESE SAFEGUARDS ARE MORE OFTEN THAN NOT IMPLEMENTED IN A LESS THAN SATISFACTORY MANNER. SINCE ROBBERY, THEFT, AND KIDNAPPING AND EXTORTION ARE THE MAJOR PROBLEMS FACING BANKS TODAY, THESE SECURITY GUIDELINES FOCUS ON ALARM SYSTEMS AND ALARM RESPONSE TRAINING, AS WELL AS PERSONNEL SECURITY AND MEASURES TO BE TAKEN IN CASES OF EXTORTION. IN ADDITION, MORE SECURITIES ARE STOLEN FROM DESKS DURING OFFICE HOURS THAN ARE TAKEN IN ROBBERIES; THE NEED FOR PRECAUTIONS IN HANDLING VALUABLE PAPERS IS THEREFORE EMPHASIZED. THE NECESSITY OF A COMPLETE HISTORY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE IS STRESSED; A SAMPLE FORM FOR OFFICERS OR OTHERS LIKELY TO BE THE TARGET OF EXTORTION ATTEMPTS, BUILDING CHECKLISTS, AND SUGGESTED HIRING PRACTICES ARE GIVEN. THE IMPORTANCE OF POLICE AND EMPLOYEE REHEARSAL OF ALARM RESPONSE PROCEDURES IS EMPHASIZED; THESE WILL HELP EMPLOYEES SOUND THE ALARM IN TIME AND WILL SAVE LIVES OF CUSTOMERS AND BYSTANDERS. COMMON PROBLEMS DISCOVERED IN BANK SURVEYS ARE LISTED, AND SOLUTIONS SUGGESTED. A SAMPLE SECURITY SURVEY INCORPORATING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A TYPICAL BANK IS APPENDED. ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN, SUCH AS LIGHT-REDUCING GLASS WHICH MAKES SURVEILLANCE DIFFICULT FROM THE STREET, ARE CALLED A GROWING PROBLEM. POLICE ARE URGED TO WORK WITH THOSE WHO MAKE DESIGN DECISIONS TO ELIMINATE SUCH PROBLEMS. (GLR)