Tag Archives: Banking

Mar
23
2023

How Security Officers Are Trained For Protecting Banks

Banks need to be protected at all times to ensure the safety of galactic amounts of funds, customers and employees. Special training is given to bank security officers to maintain the highest levels of security at the institution round the clock. Here are some of the training methods that are used in training bank security officers today in accordance with The Bank Protection Act of 1968.

Who Can Be A Bank Security Guard?

A bank security officer must at least be 18 years of age and must be a driving license holder. He must be tested for drug use through a drug test and have a license for carrying weapons. The individual must have relevant work experience and should come from a good security company.

On Job Training

Regular on job training is given to all security officers working in the bank like how to use firearms, how they should critically observe suspicious individuals, diffusing security threats and security rules that they should always abide by. A security guard is trained in such a way that he can pick up tell tale signs of trouble and effectively avert the risk of a disaster.

Bank Opening and Closing Procedures

It is believed by security experts that banks are most vulnerable during opening and closing times. In order to reduce the risk of theft and bank heists, certain approved methods are incorporated in the regular security plan. Two security officers are required to open the bank; one security officer remains outside while the other one goes inside. Their cell phones are programmed to send off all clear signals and 911 emergency calls are activated. The closing procedure however, does not involve the presence of a security officer but inspection of the whole interior area before electronically locking all doors is necessary.

In Case of a Robbery

When it comes to banks, robberies and heists are inevitable. In case of an armed robbery, there are certain methods taught to bank security officers for handling the crucial situation. The staff and officers must remain calm and not let panic get the best of them. They must take a good look at the robbers and memorize some details about them; distinct physical features to be more precise. They should also notice their escape route. This way, the police detectives and officers can have some firsthand information that they can use in solving the crime.

Devices and Measures for Enhanced Security

Not only security guards are trained to protect the bank and its employees and customers but security devices are also used for enhancing the security level. Security camera, security alarms, metal detectors, etc are used in routine security checks so all areas of the bank; internal and external remain safe and sound. Some security guards are also taught how to maintain and test these security devices for optimum performance.

Sep
01
2022

A New Dawn – The Heyday of the Small Bank

When the head of Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett, has stated that “the U.S. Economy is ‘flat on the floor’ after a cardiac arrest, it makes even the most optimistic types such as myself wonder about our perhaps inappropriately upbeat position. The world economy is now at stake.

Despite all of this, I see several rays of sunshine. I still see new stores opening. I still see the clients in our business credit program obtaining new trade lines and lines of credit. Most importantly, I still see many smaller, regional banks offering generous offers of credit.

For many years I have instructed our clients to cultivate relationships with small local banks. When I first begin working with a business owner I am often asked if I have a preference as to what bank they open their business checking account with. I tell them that I have excellent referrals if they are looking for them, but I then ask: Do you currently have a good relationship with a bank? If, indeed, they do, I urge them to maintain that. In fact, as a business owner building business credit, a strong relationship with a bank is one of the most valuable tools that they have.

It is true that right now many large banks are facing heavy financial woes; even large banks that are strong and sound are still tightening up the requirements on the money that is lent, that includes the credit cards that are offered and approved. It is difficult than ever to make a splash with one of these large banks.

Again, I must fall back on the argument that small banks are better for small to midsized businesses building credit. Here is an example to consider:

John Smith owns ABC, LLC which operates a restaurant on Main St. in a small town that is on the way to a large and popular ski resort. John successfully builds the credit of ABC, LLC with the assistance of a business credit firm such as ours. He is able to improve his menu and the interior of the restaurant using the independent lines of credit that have been established for the business. At the beginning of all of this, John opened a business checking account with Small Town Bank. Small Town Bank has ten branches all in the same state. John has a good relationship with the Officers at his local branch. He continually puts money into the bank. Lately, due to the improved credit of his business and increased profits he is carrying a mid-five figure balance.

One day the owner of the building where John’s restaurant is located comes to him and says “John, I have had this building for nearly forty years. I am thinking of selling it and moving up to the mountains. You have been a great tenant. You always pay your rent on time and take great care of the space. I would like to give you first crack at it”.

To make a long story short, John goes to Small Town Bank’s local branch and is able to secure the financing for the building. Of course, some of this has to do with the fact that the building is a tangible asset and is priced near its current market value, but the more important fact here is that Small Town Bank knows John and his business. They are doing what they always have done, they are lending to their depositing pool.

Had the business owner in this story went over to the Big National Bank across town he very well may still be paying rent to a new owner. The reason: The growth of his business and the bank balances probably would not have made a blip on the radar. In addition, he would have had to go through a mountain of time wasting paperwork. In the meantime, another buyer could come in and buy out the investment from right underneath his feet. This would place the tenant in a precarious position. Not only did he lose out on a great business investment, the business, itself, could be in jeopardy if the new owner decides not renew the lease.

I urge all small to mid-sized business owners to consider the benefits of forming an ongoing relationship with a local or regional bank in their area. These banks take notice of you and your business. You do not need to carry six or seven figure balances in order to have your needs catered to. When it comes time for expansion, these lenders are your best friends. Small banks remain a constant a ray of sunshine for us all.