EMPLOYEE TRAINING FOR ARMED ROBBERIES

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EMPLOYEE TRAINING FOR ARMED ROBBERIES
University Police Department Community Awareness
and Resource Team Presents
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INTRODUCTION

• The following information has been prepared by
  the University Police Department for the
  personnel of all University offices that handle
  money. The information is designed to ensure the
  safety of employees in the event of a robbery, to
  facilitate police investigations, and help in the
  apprehension of offenders.
• It is STRONGLY recommended that you be highly
  familiar with the steps contained in the
  handouts. This knowledge can save your life.

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GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT ROBBERS

• Robbery is a vicious and frequently rising crime
  of violence in the United States.
• Robbery is one of our societys most dangerous
  crimes because through the use of force or the
  threat of force the perpetrator obtains property,
  money, and items of value from the victim.
• The typical robber is young, has a criminal
  arrest record, and generally carries a firearm.
• Often he may be under the influence of alcohol or
  drugs either to get his courage up or to increase
  his energy.

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GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT ROBBERS

• A combination of alcohol and drugs with the
  suspects own nerves can make a robber very
  jumpy and excited.
• Any suspicious movements or gestures by any
  employee or foolish attempts at heroics by
  trying to disarm the robber can trigger a violent
  reaction that ends in the death of innocent
  victims.
• The overriding concern in dealing with hold-ups
  is to minimize the possibility of injury to
  employees and others who may be present when the
  incident occurs.

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PROCEDURES DURING THE ROBBERY

• Cooperate, try to remain calm, be alert, and be
  very observant. Play it COOL and CALM. Obey
  commands.
• Try to activate an alarm without being detected
  if at all possible. Do not alert other employees
  of what you are doing.
• If you must reach into your pockets, explain
  what you are doing. Explain your action/s before
  taking it. The robber may misinterpret your
  action/s.
• Do not try to be a hero. Take no action that
  would jeopardize your safety or the safety of
  others.

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PROCEDURES DURING THE ROBBERY

• If the robber has a firearm, assume that it is
  real and loaded.
• If the robber has gun, he is likely to use it if
  you force him to.
• Make no sudden or unexpected movements. Remember
  he is already jumpy and a bundle of nerves.

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PROCEDURES DURING THE ROBBERY

• Study the robber as carefully as possible without
  being obvious. Note height, weight, race, age,
  clothing , sex, speech characteristics, scars,
  tattoos, deformities, gait, method of operation,
  etc
• Note the number of accomplices (if any) and where
  they stood. Look outside the store as well.
  There may be an accomplice standing outside as a
  look out.
• Note the type of weapon used and where it was
  placed when the robbers left the scene.
• Note the direction in which the robber(s)are
  traveling and their mode of travel.

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PROCEDURES DURING THE ROBBERY

• If a vehicle is used, try to remember the
  physical features of the vehicle/vehicles. (Make,
  model, license plate, color (top to bottom),
  paint, distinguishing features, rims, etc.)

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PROCEDURES DURING THE ROBBERY

• How the money was carried away? (sack, bank bag,
  backpack, etc)
• Try to remain calm and remember the details of
  the robbery. What exactly did the robber say to
  you, and if there is more than one robber and who
  said what.
• Try to secure evidence if any is left behind by
  the robber. (Ex. A note left behind)

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AFTER THE ROBBERY OCCURS

• Call 911 IMMEDIATELY after the robber(s) have
  left the area and do not hang up the phone until
  told to do so.
• Give the dispatcher information as you remember
  it. The officer that is dispatched to the scene
  will ask you more specific questions.
• After you have called 911and have been advised to
  hang up, lock all the doors and ask all witnesses
  to remain until Officers arrive.
• Do not unlock the door and let anyone inside or
  outside until an officer (s) arrives.
• Protect the crime scene. DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING!!

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AFTER THE ROBBERY OCCURS

• Write down everything you remember about the
  crime. Write down the description of the robber
  (s), vehicle (s) used, and ask witnesses to do
  the same.
• Do not discuss the robbery with anyone until you
  have spoken with an officer. All information
  needs to be given to the officer first.
• Officers will speak to all individuals who were
  present at the time of the robbery. After the
  crime has taken place, people are reluctant to
  talk due to the shock of what has taken place.

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AFTER THE ROBBERY OCCURS

• Officers get pertinent information that is needed
  while it is still on a persons mind.If you do not
  remember to give the officer information you feel
  is pertinent, call/meet with the officer and
  provide them with the information. It is never
  to late.
• Under no circumstances, are you to discuss the
  security system with anyone other than an officer
  or security equipment representative.

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PREVENTATIVE MEASURES

• Watch people who loiter in and around your
  office/building.
• Be aware of phone calls asking questions about
  the number of people working or the hours you
  open and close.
• Do not discuss the details of your security
  systems with persons other than law enforcement
  and security equipment representatives.
• When leaving offices/buildings, be aware of and
  report any suspicious activity to the Police
  immediately.

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PREVENTATIVE MEASURES

• Dont let unauthorized people behind the counter
  or in restricted areas.
• Try to prevent false alarm calls if you have an
  alarm system.
• Any door not used by customers should be secured
  during office hours.

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PREVENTATIVE MEASURES

• Dont let unauthorized people behind the counter
  or in restricted areas.
• Try to prevent false alarm calls if you have an
  alarm system.
• Any door not used by customers should be secured
  during office hours.
• Install surveillance cameras. This is a good
  tool used to catch people in the act. An Officer
  can always go back and try to identify the robber
  (s) who have been caught on tape.

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NOTE

• Robbery is impossible to totally prevent, but you
  can take precautions to discourage robbers.
  Crime prevention begins with you. Establish
  sound working procedures that will help reduce
  the potential of a robbery occurring. Your Crime
  Prevention Officer can provide information and
  recommendations to help you accomplish this. The
  implementation and continued practice of these
  procedures depends on you.
• REMEMBER Cash can be replaced or recovered
  YOUR LIFE CANNOT!

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SAFETY TIPS FOR TRANSPORTING MONEY

• If you need to count or balance money before
  leaving, be sure to keep out of the public view.
• Try not to get into a routine pattern with the
  time of the day and travelling route.
• Dont make it obvious that you are carrying a
  money bag or container.
• Check the area around the building and parking
  lot for suspicious persons.
• Have your keys ready and check the vehicle before
  entry. Keep the doors locked while driving.

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SAFETY TIPS FOR TRANSPORTING MONEY

• If you are transporting money at night, have
  someone else walk outside with you until you are
  secured in your vehicle.
• Try to have someone else accompany you as well.
  If you notice someone is following you, get to a
  safe place and call an Officer.

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QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS