The nature of the risk that is to be deterred, the desired results of the application, operational questions, and initial and ongoing costs of the equipment, are all variables that must be considered. The question of guard services is a similar one. Questions Guards are expensive. They are a substantial, and continuing labor cost. There are also the substantial support costs of bonding, licensing, training, uniforms, equipment, management, and administration.
Guards can be a tremendous asset to a bank's protective program.
Likewise, and if not designed and managed properly, they can become a significant liability. Guards are traditionally assigned to high risk branch bank locations. If the question of the addition, or continuation of guard services is to be addressed properly, a systematic study should be conducted that has the objective of identifying, and evaluating the variables, and then presenting a logical decision making report to senior management. Dual control, or accountability duties. If they are, but are then assigned non-protective duties that interfere with their primary mission, their role will have been seriously compromised, and serious negative consequences can result.