Bank Protection Act

The BPA has gone through many revisions over the years. However, it's still one of the primary indicators governing security standards and procedures for Federal Reserve Banks and state member banks. Minimum requirements and considerations for security protection devices need to cover:

(i) A means of protecting cash and other liquid assets, such as a vault, safe, or other secure space;
(ii) A lighting system for illuminating, during the hours of darkness, the area around the vault, if the vault is visible from outside the banking office;
(iii) Tamper resistant locks on exterior doors and exterior windows that may be opened;
(iv) An alarm system or other appropriate device for promptly notifying the nearest responsible law enforcement officers of an attempted or perpetrated robbery or burglary; and
(v) Such other devices as the security officer determines to be appropriate, taking into consideration: the incidence of crimes against financial institutions in the area; the amount of currency and other valuables exposed to robbery, burglary, or larceny; the distance of the banking office from the nearest responsible law enforcement officers; the cost of the security devices; other security measures in effect at the banking office; and the physical characteristics of the structure of the banking office and its surroundings.

There are also requirements for the security officer or board of directors to develop a written security programs that establishes:
1) procedures for opening and closing for business and for the safekeeping of all currency, negotiable securities, and similar valuables at all times; 2) procedures that will assist in identifying persons committing crimes against the institution and that will preserve evidence that may aid in their identification and prosecution. Such procedures may include, but are not limited to: maintaining a camera that records activity in the banking office; using identification devices, such as prerecorded serial numbered bills, or chemical and electronic devices; and retaining a record of any robbery, burglary, or larceny committed against the bank; 3) Provides for initial and periodic training of officers and employees in their responsibilities under the security program and in proper employee conduct during and after a burglary, robbery, or larceny; and provides for selecting, testing, operating, and maintaining appropriate security devices, as specified in the above paragraph of this section.

In addition, other factors that should be considered and evaluated are:

1. Incidence of crime in the area
2. the amount of currency or valuables exposed to robbery, burglary or larceny
3. police response time
4. cost of the devices and systems
5. other security measures in effect
6. physical characteristics of the banking structure and surroundings

Bartholomew J. (Bart) Frazzitta, Vice President and General Manager, Physical Security Division, Diebold, Incorporated

Bart Frazzitta is vice president and general manager of physical security for Diebold, Incorporated. Based in Canton, Ohio, Bart is responsible for the development, sourcing and manufacturing of all Diebold physical security and facility products. This includes vault doors, modular vault walls, safe deposit boxes, drive-up pneumatic systems, safes, bullet-resistive products, work station furniture, fire-insulated products and other related items.

Frazzitta joined Diebold in 1972 as a sales representative in western Pennsylvania. He has since held various positions with Diebold, including regional sales manager, division vice president of sales, and vice president for Marketing. In 1991, Frazzitta was elevated to his present position of corporate officer and vice president, which entails all of the physical security and facility products that Diebold now offers globally. Frazzitta also serves as a board member for the company's subsidiary in Mexico - Diebold Mexico and Diebold China.

Prior to joining Diebold, Frazzitta worked for the Dover Elevator Corporation in Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Illinois. A native of New York metropolitan area, Frazzitta earned his bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the City College of New York in 1965.

Diebold, Incorporated is a global leader in providing integrated self-service delivery systems and services. Diebold employs more than 11,000 associates with representation in more than 80 countries worldwide and headquarters in Canton, Ohio, USA. Diebold reported revenue of $1.7 billion in 2000 and is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol 'DBD.' For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.diebold.com.

CONTACT: Bart can be reached at (330)490-5562.

First published on BankersOnline.com 9/3/01