Bank Teller Survival Tips 10-28-09

Stop and think a minute; while you're reading these robbery up-dates there is a stolen car parked by your bank entrance, backed in, no license plates, engine running, with 3 armed gangsters with masks on their laps, smoking crack checking out the bank security measures and waiting for the armored truck to leave, then it's 'Trick or Treat Time'!.

Valid Tips for Bank Tellers from www.bankersonline.org..... (last up-dated 2002)
During the Robbery

The two most important things to a financial institution are its employees and customers. No one should endanger his life or the lives of others in foolish acts of heroism to save money.

The following suggestions will help your employees during the robbery. Go over these techniques in your robbery training program.

During a robbery you should:

1. Stay calm. (It will be over in a few seconds.)

2. Do exactly as told by the robber, either by his/her words or actions. (Follow the instructions very carefully, but do not help the robber)

3. Give exactly the amount demanded - include bait money. (Do not give more, as this may cause the robber to get scared or mad, thinking you are tricking him)

4. Be polite, courteous and observant. (Remember what he says, does, where he stands and what he touches) Practice this procedure.

5. Form a good mental picture of the robber. Visually identify him or her. If there is more than one robber, try to concentrate on the one nearest you.

6. Utilize customer identification techniques. (Concentrate on his speech or mannerisms, etc.)

7. Presume that the robber has a weapon, and that it is real.

8. Retain evidence, such as a note.

9. Activate the alarm and camera when it is safe to do so.

10. Observe the direction of the escape, description of the get-away car, color of car, make of car, license number or plate

Now lets move on to 2010.....
(1)
Memorize your bank security policy and NEVER deviate from it : The bank needs a "fall-guy / patsy / dummy" to blame the robbery on, don't let it be you. When you (victim teller) is invited to "investigative interview" by Bank Corporate Security, after robbery took place, demand legal council or representative from your Bank Teller Union. Every thing you say is being video recorded. Law Enforcement different matter, co-operate fully without Company investigators sitting in; when you were hired you did NOT sign away your rights as a American Citizen. Employee / victims of crime have Right to request assistance for PTS from employer HR, OSHA, State and Federal Labor Boards, Workman Compensation and numerous Victim Rights Groups.
(2)
Never keep you purse, wallet, keys by your work station, in case of Take-Over Robber the Terrorist will go for your personal belongings, does the bank cover losses? (in writing).
(3)
Never wear your name badge out side the bank or have anything bank related visible in your vehicle. Are you forced to walk across the Mall parking lot after shift, un-escorted, while bank officers park next to entrance?
(4)
Test the bank Access Control Doors every day, carry a metal stapler making sure doors lock up.
(5)
Treat your bank security guard with respect, you may need him/her sooner than you think.
More to follow....