Policy Text
CONCORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
BANK ALARM RESPONSE
GENERAL ORDER: 09.12 CREATED: December 1, 2000 ISSUE DATE: September 5, 2023
CALEA STANDARD : EFFECTIVE DATE: September 5, 2023
ACTION: Amends general order dated October 1, 2022.
09.12 .0 PURPOSE
The purpose of this general order is to provide coworkers of the Concord Police
Department with guidance for responding to and handling alarms at banks and other
financial institutions.
09.12 .1 POLICY
It shall be the policy of the Concord Police Department to effectively and safely respond
to alarms at all banks and financial institutions within the City of Concord. It is essential
that coworkers understand their role and responsibilities when respondi ng to possible
robberies at banks and financial institutions and the inherent dangers involved.
Coworkers responding to robbery alarms at banks or financial institutions shall follow the
procedures within this general order to enhance the possibility of a rresting the suspect(s)
and take proper precautions for the safety of fellow coworkers, bank employees and their
customers.
09.12 .2 BANK ALARM RESPONSE
A. Coworkers responding to a robbery or hold -up alarm at a bank or financial institution
may use their vehicle ’s blue lights and siren while in route to the scene if the crime
is in progress or there is an immediate threat to life .
B. Coworkers should deactivate their sirens within audible range of the facility .
C. Responding coworkers should be observant of any suspicious vehicles leaving the
property or suspicious persons outside of the establishment that may be conducting
surveillance.
D. The first coworker on scene shall notify the communications center to ini tiate contact
with the bank or financial institution to confirm whether a crime has been, o r is in the
process of being committed , or is a false alarm.
1. If the call is answered, the communicator shall identify himself/herself and
inquire whether a ro bbery or other crime is in progress.
2. If the call is not answered or a questionable response is provided to the inquiry,
coworkers at the scene shall be informed of these facts and told that a possible
robbery or other crime is in progress.
General Order 09.12 BANK ALARM RESPONSE Page 2 of 2
3. If the communications center notifies coworkers on the scene that an employee
of the establishment has been contacted and there does not appear to be a
robbery or other crime in progress, coworkers shall determine the identity and
description of the employ ee and wait for him /her to exit the building. Coworkers
on scene shall accompany the employee into the establishment in order to verify
the situation.
E. The first coworker on the scene shall serve as the primary unit until relieved by a
supervisor, and shall take a position in front of the facility . The position should
provide good observation and concealment . The primary unit shall report on
observable conditions at the location to other responding coworkers but should not
initially approach the building.
F. The primary unit or on scene supervisor sh all direct other responding units into
positions that will establish a perimeter covering all exits and entrances.
G. Once a perimeter has been established and no notice of a false alarm has been
received, the primary unit or supervisor on scene shall request the communications
center to telephone the establishment.
H. If it is suspected that a robbery or other crime is in progress , the primary unit or
supervisor on scene shall determine whether to request additional backup units.
NOTE: If it is determined that an active threat exists, respond according to
general order 5.04 Active Threat.
I. Unless otherwise directed, coworkers on scene shall wait until suspects have exited
the building before attempting apprehension to avoid creating a hostage situation.
NOTE: If a hostage situation develops or is confirmed, the on-scene
supervisor shall req uest the assistance of SWAT and hostage
negotiators .
J. If the perpetrators are apprehended, the crime scene shall b e secured in preparation
for processing by the Forensic Unit .
K. If a robbery has been committed and the suspects have fled the scene, the primary
unit should begin preparation of the initial report by identifying witnesses, caring for
any injured parties, protecting the crime scene and obtaining necessary information
regarding the perpetrators for supplemental broadcast. Rema ining units should
initiate the search for suspects on likely escape routes .
L. If an alarm is received after business hours and the establishment is not occupied,
responding officers shall conduct an inspection of the facility for signs of forced entry.
If signs of forced entry exist, coworkers shall follow procedures for conducting a
building search. If the building is secure, coworkers shall request the communications
center to attempt to make contact with a key holder or contact person.
GARY J. GACEK
CHIEF OF POLICE