I recently ran into this interesting item while perusing my usual news sites. In short, the Florida Bankers Association wants to encourage its members to institute a policy where customers cannot wear sunglasses, hats or hoods when entering a branch for service. This is the FBA's latest effort in helping member banks ramp up security at the "store" level after a spike in bank robberies in the state.

The "No Hats, No Hoods, No Sunglasses" program is not mandatory. Those banks that do participate would posts signs in the lobbies of their branches asking customers to remove this kind of apparel before transacting business. If they refuse, they would be directed to an area with more security or a more experienced teller.

The FBA points to statistics that illustrate the majority of bank robberies involve criminals donning one of the three offending items. A similar program in Missouri may have helped spur a decline in bank robberies there, according to the article.

I just find this interesting because in spite of all the technology we have at our disposal today, sometimes the simplest, non-tech measures are still called upon to keep banking and banks safe for customers and employees alike. Could more technology help foil branch robberies? Are "commonsense" measures such as the "No Hats, No Hoods, No Sunglasses" program the answer to some missing link in branch security? Or will this initiative be akin to what happens with online banking security where banks have to weigh convenience over security in many cases?

I would be curious to hear your thoughts on such programs. Feel free to leave a response in our "comments" area or email me.

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