Indiana Members Credit Union got themselves a metal detector

[SSGSAD]

Your statement is correct. In most cases, the metal detector is just part of what are called "man trap" doors. The basic premise is that you enter through the outer door and pass through a metal detector. If you pass the screening process, and the outer door is closed/latched, you will be able to enter through the inner door (a green indicator light will serve as your "all clear"). If you do not pass the screening, a teller or manager will be able to communicate with you via a two-way communication system (just like the drive-through). If your keys, or other acceptable item, set off the sensor, they will buzz you in. If they cannot identify what set off the detector, you can exit the way you entered. The doors also limit entry and exit to one person at a time (one coming and one going). It is also possible to trap/lock someone in between the doors.


The above description is an example from the bank I used to work for a couple of years ago. I managed a branch at 56th and Georgetown. This location was robbed at least once per year for six straight years (three times one year). The bank determined it was cheaper to install the doors, rather than hire a security guard. Since the doors were installed, the branch has not been robbed. The doors have been in place for three years. That said, the doors are a pain in the butt. They are very sensitive and required constant adjustment. For obvious reasons, they left a lot of customers upset. Having worked at a bank, I understand both sides of this discussion.

Huntington, has used these doors, at E. Washington, by the Wal Mart, for a few years... Pendleton Pike branch, also .....

 

[DaCoach]

I started to get a little worked up, took it a little personal, called some friends all worked up etc,,for the most I kept my cool. Told her I better just go through the drive thru.
I knew they must have had proper reasoning and it wasn't just a 2A issue. Robberies ? Close calls ?


She called it a "Fire Arm detector" from what I seen a few posts back and heard, it picks up on bulk metal items, not keys, small pocket knives, but pistols.
I wonder if the ol G-19 would have set it off I know the full mag would




East Side Mitt and East Wash

I would imagine a G19 would set it off. There is probably enough metal in the slide and barrel to do the trick.


I really felt bad for our customers that were wearing steel-toe boots. Those things would trigger it every time.


Also, I know this frustrates all of us, but it really bothers me when someone lacks the intelligence to even refer to a piece of equipment by its proper name. To call a metal detector a " firearm detector" displays a real lack of intelligence. The bank should ensure their staff has a complete understanding of what is being installed, so they can accurately explain things to customers.


Moreover, I can absolutely understand being frustrated. In the case of the branch where I worked, the decision to install the doors was based solely on the history and location of the branch. Banks hate those doors as much as customers. They are very expensive, require structural re-engineering of the building, and cost customers. In today's world, it is hard enough to keep and attract customers. Having a set of doors that makes entering and leaving the building a chore only exacerbates the problem.

 

[DaCoach]

Could I just walk away or would I have been trapped where you worked at?

Our doors would have allowed you to walk out. The outer door only "locks" when the inner door is open or if we lock it (we had controls that would lock it).

Also, to help with a visual, the space between the inner and outer doors was separated down the middle. Basically, when you were facing the building from the outside, the entrance was on the right and the exit was on the left. You could not enter through the exit. In fact, the exit doors lacked any type of door handle.

 

[DaCoach]

Huntington, has used these doors, at E. Washington, by the Wal Mart, for a few years... Pendleton Pike branch, also .....

Unfortunately, in my experience in banking, these doors are about the only common measure that have any effect on robberies. If they are working properly, they have proven to be very effective deterrents. I spent a little over ten years in banking, and is was fortunate enough not to personally involved in a robbery. Unfortunately, my wife was not as fortunate. Her branch was robbed twice within a three month period. She and her co-workers believe it was the same guy (based on physical appearance and voice). She was the person he had gather up the money. He actually came around the teller counter and held his gun to her head while she was collecting the money. Everything turned out ok, but she was pretty upset for a couple of days. The good news is that after the first robbery, they installed dye packs in every teller drawer. My wife stuffed four dye packs in the guys bag. He had no idea what was about to happen when he left. The police found the bag of money later the same day. Every single dollar was recovered. It was a slightly different color at that point. The best part was that the dye pack manufacturer gives a reward to anyone that passes out a dye pack. She walked away with $250 per dye pack.

 

[whippo]

Or carry a Glock.

plastic ammo?

 

[pwoller]

When will people/businesses like this finally realize GFZs are simply welcome mats and big flashing neon commit insert crime(s) here because all the law abiding people here are defenseless signs for criminals. So they are basically saying to criminals: the only person in here that might be armed is the guard playing with his phone who could easily be overpowered. I still have an old account with them... maybe it is time to close it.

Your so far off on this its really pretty funny. These units are designed to stop people from entering with weapons because of prior robbery history not to make it a GFZ.

 

[Lebowski]

Wow, seems like a complete PITA for customers who aren't carry as well.

Might as well put TSA at the door. Remember to remove your shoes, your belt, and place electronics in the plastic bin.

 

[jrogers]

The bank I had used for years was bought out a few years back, and they installed a metal detector and mantrap in my local branch.

I disarmed once, then moved all accounts to a local credit union. Sent a letter explaining why to the bank, but I'm sure they didn't care.

 

[Disposable Heart]

Or the robbers can, when blocked access, begin firing rounds into the glass and either walk through or kill someone in the parking lot.

 

[MikeDVB]

Or the robbers can, when blocked access, begin firing rounds into the glass and either walk through or kill someone in the parking lot.

I would presume the glass/acrylic/whatever it's made of is bullet resistant. I.e. unlikely to shoot it out.

That said - can you imagine how bad your ears would hurt after firing a firearm in a closed glass or plastic box? I cringe at the thought of it.

 

[j706]

So how does the metal detecter stop them from being robbed? Does the security guard draw down on you as so as the alarm goes off?

I was thinking the same thing. It will not likely prevent a robbery. It makes no sense other than to make them feel safer.

 

[jrogers]

I was thinking the same thing. It will not likely prevent a robbery. It makes no sense other than to make them feel safer.

That's why they install map traps. A metal detector/man trap combination is very effective at preventing robbers armed with firearms from entering through the front door.

 

[lonehoosier]

That's why they install map traps. A metal detector/man trap combination is very effective at preventing robbers armed with firearms from entering through the front door.

Locked doors have never stopped armed robbers.

 

[DaCoach]

For clarification, the materials used to make these doors are bullet proof. From first hand experience, I can assure you that these doors are very effective. I cannot speak to other banks, but the one I worked for did not have a robbery at a location that had these doors installed.

 

[actaeon277]

They want to stop robberies, how about training and arming employees, and having more than one "security guard".

I'm not walking outside with thousands of dollars waiting for someone to rob me outside the bank.
And I'm assuming they are not providing armed escort to and from my car.

 

[Mark 1911]

I hope their firearms detector is a good customer for them, since I won't be.

 

[GLOCKMAN23C]

The Huntington bank at 71st and Zionsville has a man trap too. I set the damn thing off everytime I go through it (I can't carry at work), I hate the things, but I have no choice, my employer uses that bank. I stick to the drive-thru, unless I need to get change then I get buzzed in.

 

[WebSnyper]

Your so far off on this its really pretty funny. These units are designed to stop people from entering with weapons because of prior robbery history not to make it a GFZ.

So are you saying it does not make it a GFZ?

 

[Tranquil]

At my old bank (Old National) the security guard would put his hand on his pistol as soon as anyone walked in. The day I closed my account I told him "If you play with that thing too much it'll fall off" - he didn't like that statement too much!

 

[MikeDVB]

So are you saying it does not make it a GFZ?

A GFZ is fine so long as it's universal imho. If guns did not exist and nobody [even criminals or the government] could get them - then I'd be fine with a bat/knife/whatever.

Since bad guys will have guns - regardless of whether they're legal or not - I'd prefer to have a gun than to bring a bat/knife/fists to a gun fight.

Just my own two cents - others may disagree and that's fine.

Edit: To go a little further - I believe that if they are going to disallow you from carrying [when carrying outside the building is legal] - that they should give you a secure locker to place your firearm into while you're in the bank - one that you can retrieve your firearm from when you leave.

This way you're not unarmed between the vehicle and the bank and vice versa. All a robber has to do is stand outside and wait for you to walk out - clock you over the head - and steal your money.