Clear the Building before Security Leaves

In Missouri City, Texas, a robbery attempt was made at a Compass Bank branch on Tuesday, April 14. The robber concealed himself in the Men's room until 6:15, well after closing time. Only two female employees were left in the branch.

While the teller drawers hadn't yet been secured, the thief demanded they open the safe. They said they could not as another person was needed for that access. The thief then used a Taser device on one of the women eight times in an attempt to get the safe open. The teller was essentially tortured with eight Taser discharges.

It is important that banks have effective opening and closing procedures. If a security guard was present when the bank closed, the building should have had a thorough walk-through to ensure there were no persons hidden like this. Security should remain as long as employees are present, whenever possible. If clearing the building was the responsibility of the two remaining women, perhaps the walk-through should be conducted earlier when defenses would be better. This man could have easily remained hidden until the morning as well. That is why clearing the building first thing each morning is equally important. Employees need to be reminded and tested on any "all clear" and duress codes used by the branch.