NCJ Number
138818
Date Published
1992
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Procedures are outlined for police response to robberies at banks and related financial institutions.
Abstract
It is critical that law enforcement officers understand their role and responsibilities when responding to robberies at banks and related financial institutions and how best to protect themselves against the inherent dangers which have multiplied in recent years. Police response to robberies needs to be planned in advance. Officers should examine closely, both externally and internally, banks and other businesses within their patrol area that are at risk for robbery. Additionally, officers should familiarize themselves with all exits from the establishment and the most logical routes of escape for would-be robbers, think through the most appropriate logistical and tactical response to different locations, and anticipate potential problems under varied scenarios. The dispatcher has a significant role to play in officer responses to robberies and should be regarded as an integral part of the team. As a general rule, two patrol units should respond to a reported robbery. Officers should approach the establishment from the least visible direction and should assume positions of cover at each exit. A safe approach to verifying the status of an alarm or call is for the primary officer to ask the dispatcher to call the location.