Bank security guards are a common sight in many locations—and with good reason. According to FBI statistics, over 3,000 bank robberies occurred in 2018. Now, factor in the COVID-19 pandemic and bank security guards are more important than ever.

Monitoring Bank Customers. Many bank and credit union branches are closed or only allow a limited number of customers in at a time. Security guards keep track of how many are entering, manage lines outside the bank so everyone is maintaining proper distancing and wearing face masks (if required) and in some cases perform temperature checks before allowing customers into the building.

Unique Bank Security Challenges. With customers wearing masks and other facial coverings, determining who could be a security risk can be a difficult task. Security guards are trained to look for other telltale signs—body language and mannerisms—coupled with statistical information. Bank robbers are overwhelmingly male and work alone. Friday afternoons are the highest period for attempted robberies. Security guards at banks are continually factoring in this information while on duty. Bank security vigilance is especially important during the COVID-19 crisis since low-level inmates are being released to reduce virus outbreaks in prison. These criminals can present a risk to individuals and businesses.

Deterring Crime. The FBI found that surveillance cameras are activated and working in nearly all bank robberies  but they do not stop criminals from acting. Criminals do not want to be confronted by security. They prefer to get in and get out quickly. Just the presence of a security guard at a bank or credit union can make a would-be robber think twice about his theft scheme.

To request a security quote for bank security guard services in California and Arizona, give Access Control Security a call at 877-482-7324 or go to https://accesscontrolsecurity.com/quote-request to get a quote.