The dystopian thriller “The Purge” movie series explores the lengths people will go to ensure their physical safety on a night when murder becomes legal. As the alarm that signals the beginning of the annual “purge” rings out, citizens who are hoping to stay safe for the night arm their homes with sophisticated security systems, including metal shutters, metal gates, bulletproof glass, and more. While the movies show that turning your home into a fortress is not a guarantee, those who prioritize their home’s security stand a much better chance of being protected until morning. Though often less serious than most scenarios in “The Purge” films, community financial institutions (CFIs) tend to have threats to their physical security, as well. Those threats could take the form of branch robberies, ATM theft, or even vandalism. According to the FBI, there were 1,740 bank robberies in 2022 in the US. Of all the robberies committed, banks have the highest financial losses, averaging $4,213 per robbery.It’s crucial that CFIs make a proactive, systematic, annual plan to notice and address threats to their physical security to minimize instances of crime and theft toward their branches. “I think that all too often there’s a focus on day-to-day operations, and banks don’t take the time to map all this,” says Scott Anchin, Vice President for operational risk and payments policy for the Independent Community Banking Association. “The process of conducting the evaluation in a systemic way gives them that opportunity.”To assist with this effort, we’ve come up with an annual security review checklist for your CFI to reference, broken down by key areas at your physical locations that are more vulnerable to a robbery attempt.Entry and Exit Points
Both these areas see lots of activity, which can make them challenging to monitor. The following are key considerations that will help onsite employees take immediate action if they spot an intruder, as well as keep employees and customers safe:
Both these areas see lots of activity, which can make them challenging to monitor. The following are key considerations that will help onsite employees take immediate action if they spot an intruder, as well as keep employees and customers safe:
- Locks and alarms. Install high-tech, tamper-resistant locks on all exterior doors and windows. Ensure a robust alarm system is installed at every entrance, exit, and window. Regularly audit the alarm system and sync it with a branch manager’s smartphone for real-time alerts.
- Surveillance coverage. Place visible surveillance cameras at all entry and exit points. These cameras not only deter thieves, but also offer crucial evidence if a robbery occurs.
- Controlled access. Implement physical access-control systems that restrict entry to secure areas to authorized employees only, using methods such as key cards, fobs, or biometric authentication. Maintain a log of all visitors and non-employees who access the facility.
- Crawl spaces and multi-floor access. Be mindful of securing other potential access points such as upper floors, basements, and ceiling crawl spaces, particularly in multi-tenant buildings.
Internal AreasThis is your employee area, where all the cash handling occurs and other valuables are kept in safes and lockboxes. Here are ways to keep your employees and valuable assets safe in your locations’ internal area:
- Vault and lockbox access. Ensure vaults and lockboxes are secured with the latest tamper-resistant technologies and that access is limited to authorized employees.
- Alarm systems. Install and regularly test alarms specifically for areas where cash and valuables are stored. Integrate them with the branch’s central security system for comprehensive coverage.
- Surveillance. Position cameras to cover all teller stations and customer service desks, ensuring all activity is monitored and recorded.
- Panic buttons. Install and test panic buttons at teller stations to ensure quick alerts to police in case of a robbery in progress.
Exterior Security Your branch’s exterior should not be neglected; many potential thieves scope locations out well before they make a robbery attempt to find exterior vulnerabilities that will make it easier for them to enter. Here are the primary exterior areas you should focus on, as well as security measures you can take:
- Fencing and barriers. Ensure all fencing, gates, and barriers around the property are intact and free from damage.
- Lighting. Verify that exterior lighting is adequate and functioning properly, especially in parking lots and entry points.
- Surveillance cameras. Install visible surveillance cameras around the exterior perimeter, including around your ATMs, whether they are attached to the building or separate. Ensure the cameras are weather-resistant, tamper-proof, and provide clear footage.
- Landscaping. Keep areas around public and employee entrances clear of landscaping and architectural features that could obscure sightlines or provide hiding places for thieves. Remove or trim shrubbery that could offer cover.
Train Your PeopleThere are security measures that your employees should be aware of and those that are put in place to protect them. Make sure that you incorporate the following:
- Training. Provide annual security training for all employees that covers emergency procedures, recognizing suspicious behavior, and using security tools effectively.
- Identification. Ensure all employees wear up-to-date ID badges and use them to access restricted areas. Review and limit access to non-public entrances. Emphasize that they should lock doors behind them, keep cards and key fobs in safe places, and speak up if they notice suspicious activity.
- Remote work security. Implement and regularly update security protocols for employees working remotely, ensuring they can securely access bank systems.
As you work to keep data safe from cybercriminals, don’t forget to regularly audit your CFI’s physical safety. Both technology and culture can help avoid losses and create an environment where your employees, customers, and community can feel comfortable and safe.
