HOW TO PREPARE FOR KIDNAP/EXTORTION THREATS (FROM LEGALS AND OTHER ASPECTS OF TERRORISM, 1979 - SEE NCJ-59775)

• NCJ Number: 59782
• Author(s): ANON
• Date Published: 1979
• Length: 5 pages
• Corporate Author: Practicing Law Institute
• Publication Format: Document
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

FOR DIRECTORS OF BANKS AND BANK HOLDING COMPANIES, THIS BANK BOARD LETTER PROVIDES ADVICE ON PREPARATIONS FOR KIDNAP AND EXTORTION THREATS.

Abstract

THE FBI SUGGESTS THAT BANK SECURITY OFFICERS DESIGN A SET OF PRECISE INSTRUCTIONS ON WHAT TO DO WHEN A KIDNAP-THREAT CALL IS RECEIVED AND CIRCULATE A PRINTED FORM OF QUESTIONS TO ASK THE KIDNAP CALLER. OTHER AUTHORITIES URGE THE BANKER TO REMAIN CALM, TO REQUEST PROOF THAT THE CALLER ACTUALLY IS HOLDING A WIFE OR RELATIVE, TO DELAY THE CALLER AS LONG AS POSSIBLE SO THE CALL CAN BE TRACED, TO NOTE ALL DETAILS OF THE CONVERSATION, AND TO NOTIFY OTHER BANK OFFICERS AND THE FBI OF THE THREAT. THE BANK SHOULD NOT RELEASE NAMES, ADDRESSES, OR PHOTOGRAPHS OF BANK EMPLOYEES OR FAMILIES INVOLVED WITH THE KIDNAPPER, OR REVEAL THE AMOUNT OF MONEY TAKEN OR IF BAIL MONEY WAS USED. OTHER SECURITY PROCEDURES FOR TOP BANK OFFICERS CONCERNING TELEPHONE CALLS ARE DETAILED. AS A BASIC BANK SECURITY PRECAUTION, THE FBI ALSO SUGGESTS THAT OFFICERS AVOID REGULAR DAILY ROUTINES THAT CAN BE OBSERVED BY CRIMINALS. AN INSURANCE EXECUTIVE RECOMMENDS THAT BANKS INSTALL PROTECTION DEVICES IN THEIR HOMES AND AUTOMOBILES, ADVISE FAMILY MEMBERS OF SECURITY PRECAUTIONS, AND KEEP A GOOD WATCHDOG. IN ADDITION, THE FBI HAS DESIGNED A SIMPLE ALERT SYSTEM CENTERING AROUND A SMALL COLORED INDEX CARD TAPED TO THE UNDERSIDE OF EACH OFFICER'S TELEPHONE. THE UNUSUALLY COLORED CARD, CONTAINING BASIC INFORMATION REQUIRED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES, SERVES AS A CODE WHICH WILL REVEAL THAT A KIDNAP/RANSOM THREAT IS OCCURRING. AFTER THE BANK PRESIDENT RECEIVES A TELEPHONE THREAT, HE REMOVES THE CARD FROM UNDERNEATH HIS TELEPHONE, CIRCLES THE NAME OF THE FAMILY MEMBER BEING HELD, AND HOLDS UP THE CARD FOR ANOTHER OFFICER TO SEE OR HANDS IT TO HIS SECRETARY. WITHOUT SPEAKING, HE WILL HAVE ALERTED OTHERS IN THE BANK TO THE PLOT IN PROGRESS. PROCEDURES TO BE FOLLOWED AFTER THE INITIAL ALERT ARE DESCRIBED. FINALLY, BANKERS ARE URGED TO CONTACT THEIR OWN LEGAL COUNSELS AND INSURANCE CARRIERS CONCERNING INSURANCE POLICY COVERING KIDNAP OR EXTORTION. NO REFERENCES ARE PROVIDED. (WJR)