NCJ Number
81344
Date Published
1981
Length
409 pages
Annotation
Methods for bank security and security devices are covered in this examination of security practices. The failure of top-level management and bank regulatory agencies to attend to security programs is cited as a major threat to the safety of financial institutions.
Abstract
Preventive activities are directed primarily against robbery, extortion and kidnapping, burglary, check fraud, and larceny. Other major concerns are internal bank crimes such as fraud and embezzlement, which are grossly underreported because of banks' reluctance to tarnish their image. Banking is faced with a number of unresolved problems from the 1970's; e.g., U.S. attorneys' failure to take bank cases immediately, bank examiners' lack of expertise, and introduction of automatic teller machines with inadequate security planning. Furthermore, the Bank Protection Act of 1968 has failed in controlling bank robberies because security regulations violations have been ignored, banks have been reluctant to accept voluntary standards, and certain minimum standards have actually lowered security levels. Necessary changes include full-time security officers with broad security management experience, architectural improvement to protect against burglaries, clear guidelines for minimum security training standards for employees, people protection programs, and minimum standards for alarm and mandatory surveillance systems. Special attention must be devoted to computer security issues such as employee suitability, system access, and housekeeping procedures. Special outlines are provided to guide internal investigations and to plan emergency procedures. The text suggests establishing a financial institutions' crime prevention center to conduct research on bank security issues and to coordinate information from all law enforcement and insurance agencies. Extensive tables, graphs, and appendixes describing security measures and devices are supplied.