Checklist of guidance for Security Arrangement in banks

In view of prevailing law and order situation and other subversive activities carried out by antisocial/extremist organizations in the country mainly targeting the banks, the Reserve Bank of India and Indian Bank Association had prepared check lists of guidelines for stringent security arrangements for implementation in banks.

The “Report of the Working Group to review Security Arrangements in Banks – July 2004” prepared by IBA covers the security arrangement in banks extensively and minutely. According to the report banks are expected to equip their branches, ATMs, Data Centers, with the latest security gadgets like CC TV, X-Ray scanners, sensors, time locks, turnstile gates, access control etc. The working groups report, among others, deals with branch location and layout, movement of cash within cash department, cash transportation, security equipments, security set-up, security system audit, support and expectations from state and central governments, disaster management plan for banks and fire prevention and protection.

RBI’s security guidelines to banks, advise the following procedures to be implemented in each branch. It also said that the suggestions in a note by the statutory auditors / internal auditors/inspectors would ensure detection of irregularities and lapses

1.  Each branch should maintain a set of marked notes consisting of new currency notes of various denominations. The numbers of such notes along with their prefixes and suffixes, if any, should be recorded on the last page of the Cash Summary Register under the initials of both the custodians of cash.  During business hours, the set of marked notes should remain permanently in the cash at the counter.  This will help the investigating agencies in the event of thefts burglary, robbery and dacoity.
2. Gun and ammunition should be kept in metal gun cabinets.  It should have more than the normal number of two hinges and adequate/strong locking managements.
3. Gun cabinets should be embedded in the wall, if they are not kept inside the strong Room. Proper review of such embedment of Gun Cabinet should be made.
4. Safes may also be embedded properly, if they are not kept in strong Room. Proper review of such embedment of safe should be made.
5. As far as possible, security staff should not be utilized for any other duty except security.
6. The Branch manager should maintain close liaison with the local Police authorities and seek their guidance and assistance as and when required.
7.  It is the duty of the Branch Manager to inspect the alarm system every day and ensure its proper functioning.  The supervisory officers from higher offices visiting the branches should also be advised to check the Alarm System during their visit to the branches.
8. The fire arms should always be in working condition. Old cartridges may be utilized for testing the gun in consultation with the local Police authorities.
9. Telephone numbers of the local Police Station/Fire Brigade and senior officials of the bank should be kept under the glass top on the tables of the Officers and members of the staff.
10. Important telephone numbers may be displayed at vantage points.
11. The refilling of the Fire Extinguishes should be undertaken before the expiry date. Arrangements may be for demonstration of portable Fire Extinguishers.  During refilling of Fire Extinguishers in branches demonstration can be arranged to the members of the staff and the Officers of the branches for knowing proper handling of such Extinguishers.
12. All Armed Guards should be provided with lanyard with whistles.

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