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Mock Robberies: Don't Do Them!
With the increased number of robberies nationwide, and robbery response training taking on new importance, we felt we should caution you one more time about the way you do your training.
We're often asked, "What do you think of "mock" robberies? I'm thinking of staging one for our bank."
Our standard answer: We don't like them. Please don't do them!
On the other hand, if you absolutely, positively have to do one, be very careful!
A "mock" robbery is a staged event that is meant to show the tactics that robbers use so that your employees will act more appropriately if they are involved in a robbery. Done well, this type of training exercise may be beneficial. Done poorly, it may cause unnecessary apprehension, fear, trauma and even injury. There are many lawsuits now pending from former employees who are suing the institutions for a stress-related condition - because the "robbery" was too realistic. In one case, the settlement offered for $1 million dollars was turned down!
This type of training event generally is available in two forms. One form uses your employees as the "victims" and the other form uses off-duty law enforcement officers and criminal justice students as both the "robbers" and the victims.
The second method is by far the best. Don't let your employees participate as victims - always have them be observers and let the agency stage this "play" for you.
Cops sometimes play rough - just like in real life. They often are physical; they often use harsh language (including profanity), trying to make the event as realistic as possible.
The American Bankers Association's former National School for Bank Security sent Security Officers from around the country to the FBI Academy at Quantico, VA to witness mock robbery training exercises. Students observed several types of robberies and learned the most appropriate methods to teach employees when they returned to their institutions.
academy they use to train their officers. Then call the academy and ask if your institution's staff can watch (not participate in) some of their robbery-response training exercises. They'll probably appreciate the audience and an impartial critique, and your staff will experience the event - safely.
We recommend robbery rehearsals - walk-through role play. We've found it to be effective and safe.
Copyright © 1997 Bankers' Hotline. Originally appeared in Bankers' Hotline, Vol. 7, No. 7, 6/97
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