Answer by Barbara Hurst
I've learned over the years the best type of training there is, is robbery rehearsal. Go over and over it until everyone knows their "part". If a robbery happens, their response will be almost automatic, and the fact that they KNOW what to do will help keep control of the situation. Mock robbery training is traumatic and frightening. We do NOT recommend it. But rehearsal and role playing have been found to be the most popular and the most successful. Of course, I'd have to also recommend mixing up that training with a good video. Just so happens we have one! We've had great response and comments from our Preparation Prevents Panic video, available from the Bankers Video Library. You'll find in the training material that goes along with it suggestions for further training.
Answer by Barry Thompson
Robbery Training should always be fun or at least enjoyable. One method is to purchase a recently produced robbery video from someone like Bankers' Hotline. It's quick, gets to the point, and doesn't raise the anxiety level very high.
The bigger question here is why, robbery training is so alarming? Was your institution recently robbed? Are you in a high crime area? You may need to address a different problem like moral support or holding open discussions with your staff about their concerns.
First published on BankersOnline.com 3/5/01