Kennish Library Site Contents . ONLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HOME Publications Developing a Comprehensive Bank Robbery Prevention Program John W. Kennish, CPP I. Background Robbery is a threat that must continuously be reviewed because in addition to its potential for high loss, it is one of few threats which also carries with it the possibility for personal injury. However, with understanding and an effective countermeasures effort, many robbery situations can in fact be prevented, and those which do occur properly managed. In addition, through effective planning, the safety of employees, customers and law enforcement officers can also be better assured, as well as the limiting of losses, recovery, and the apprehension and successful conviction of offenders.
Most criminals are in a highly nervous or emotional state when committing an armed robbery.
They may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, mentally unbalanced, driven by peer group or gang pressures, or have other dangerous anti-social tendencies. They may be desperate. They are also aware of the potential deadly consequences should they be confronted by law enforcement officers during the robbery. These criminals range from the amateur who is extremely dangerous to the hardened professional, neither of whom will tolerate interference and may have a low regard for the value of life. The objectives of a robbery program are to prevent, assure safety, limit losses and support successful prosecution of offenders.