NCJ Number
100861
Date Published
1986
Length
47 pages
Annotation
This Indiana study examined bank security devices and procedures, characteristics of bank robbery incidents, and incident disposition. Recommendations address improved security.
Abstract
The study identified Indiana banks robbed between January 1, 1982, and June 30, 1984. A total of 223 robberies were committed in 163 banks. A random sample of 200 banks not robbed during this period was drawn as a comparison group. Representatives from all but five of the comparison banks and from all of the 'victim' banks were interviewed to determine what security devices and procedures were used. An incident report was completed for each robbery in 'victim' offices, and FBI and local police records revealed the disposition of each robbery incident. The banks generally complied with the minimum security standards of the Bank Protection Act, but they have not invested heavily in security devices other than alarm and camera systems. Personnel security training varies widely among the banks, and most of the training provided does not adequately prepare employees for robberies. Robbery incidents are distinguished by the number of robbers involved; their race, age, and sex; weapons use; violence involved; amount of money taken and recovered; and the characteristics of the banks robbed. The study reviewed the cases solved and the factors contributing to the solution, sentence length, and factors contributing to sentence length. Recommendations pertain to employee security training, bank-police cooperation, and security strategies for banks most vulnerable to armed robberies. Tabular data and 16 references.