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Recently, Hillsdale Detective Sergeant Bob Francaviglia and Officers Jeff Angermeyer and Bill Diedtrich conducted a program to help employees from several area banks “keep themselves, their customers, and their institutions safe from critical incidents,” the chief said.
Also participating in the sessions were River Vale Detective John DeVoe and Woodcliff Lake Detective Sgt. James Uhl.
“The overall message of this program focused on preventing bank robberies as well as how to react during a bank robbery,” Stalter said.
“[V]igilance against complacency is most crucial for bank tellers, whose mere profession unfortunately lends itself to a certain degree of risk,” the chief said.
More than 25 attendees from several banks participated in the program, which Stalter said was “designed upon key industry standards established for bank safety and security, as well as prominent tips furnished by the FBI.
“Ultimately, this program provided an opportunity for bank employees to discuss specific scenarios with police officers and express their valid concerns over the kinds of aggressive robberies sensationalized in Hollywood movies.”
As Angermeyer explained: “Having a plan and the proper mindset are two crucial aspects…. In the simplest sense, bank employees are challenged to prevent panic and fear from taking over during a stressful incident, much like a firefighter, nurse, or police officer.
“Reacting appropriately, safely and reasonably is a learned behavior that requires pre-planning, discussion and training.”
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