ROBBERY
- Protocols must be established not only to follow during a robbery but also after the robbery.
- Robbery is a traumatic event which affects an employee mentally and physically.
- Effective protocols will reduce employee absenteeism, lost productivity, attrition and workman’s compensation claims.
- Protocols will mitigate liability claims that the employer failed to properly address post traumatic injury.
DURING ROBBERY
- Remain calm and follow Robber’s commands
- Do not volunteer any help
- Only give to the Robber the money demanded
- Do Not Ask If Robber Wants anything additional
- The longer the robbery takes, the greater the chance the robber will become more nervous. The more nervous the Robber becomes the more apt the Robber will become violent.
IF A NOTE IS USED
- Do Not treat the note as a joke or prank
- (If the employee does not believe the note is serious the robber may feel forced to display a weapon, escalating the likelihood of harm)
- Do not hold note up or display in anyway.
- Try to place note out of sight and minimally handle.
- The note is retained as evidence.
DURING ROBBERY
- Do not create any surprises for the Robber
- If you have to reach or move tell the Robber what to expect so not to startle robber.
- If another person is expected back, tell the robber.
BAIT MONEY
- Include “Bait Money” along with other cash
- There should be ten bills ($10 & $5) with recorded non-consecutive serial numbers and series dates under cash drawer. Record of the serial numbers should kept in another secure location)
DURING ROBBERY
- Activate hold up alarm only if it can be done safely without being obvious to Robber
- Make a mental note of Robber. Notice as much as possible about the Robber
- Race, Age, Height, Build, Clothing Description
- Head Shape, Eye Color, Nose, Mouth
- Facial Hair
- Right Handed or Left Handed
- Accents, Speech Pattern
- Tattoos, Scars, Smell of Alcohol
- Weapon, Color, Barrel Length, grips, Automatic or revolver
- What does the Robber say? EXACT WORDS
- Watch Robbers hands, if no gloves, good fingerprints may be left. Make a mental note of what was touched by Robber
- Do not attempt to bring attention to the robbery
- Handle robber as you would any other customer
- The most important role you have during the course of the robbery is to ensure the safety of all customers and employees
AFTER ROBBER HAS LEFT
- Activate alarm if not already activated
- Call 9-1-1, Stay on Phone
- Write down mental notes of Robber description
- Note exit point of Robber and possible escape vehicle.
- DO NOT FOLLOW ROBBER OUT OF STORE.
- Lock all doors, no one enters or exits store.
- Do not touch anything
- DO NOT discuss what happened with other witnesses (Your own impressions should be kept until you have talked with authorities)
- DO NOT tell customers that you have just been robbed. (Avoid any “Good Samaritans” from confronting Robber)
EMPLOYEE SUPPORT
- Provide the opportunity to meet with crisis counselor who specializes in trauma recovery, within 12 to 48 hours
- Managers will visit affected employees that day and inquire on their well being. (An important part of recovery for impacted employees is the perception that management cares and supports them)
- DO NOT discuss other business
- Give affected employees the option to go home and return the next day
- Educate employees that they may experience emotions of anxiety, disbelief, anger, shock, guilt and helplessness.
- Monitor employee well-being by asking specific questions.
- “How did you sleep last night?” “Are you having flashbacks?”
- Asking “are you OK?” or “how are you doing” is usually responded with “I’m fine” even if the employee is far from fine.
- Avoid the “what if syndrome”
- It is common for victims to speculate on what could have gone wrong. Even those who were not present.
- In a compassionate manner, remind the employee that their fear fantasy did not happen and point out that continuing to think of what could have happened only serves to continue the traumatization
|
