What are some best practices for ensuring cash security and avoiding theft or robbery?

1 Know your policies and procedures

The first step to ensuring cash security is to follow the policies and procedures of your bank or credit union. These may include limits on cash drawer amounts, cash transfers, cash counts, dual control, and reporting. You should also be familiar with the security features of the currency you handle, such as watermarks, holograms, and color-shifting ink. If you encounter any suspicious or counterfeit bills, notify your supervisor and follow the appropriate protocol.

2 Secure your cash and valuables

The second step to ensuring cash security is to secure your cash and valuables at all times. This means keeping your cash drawer locked when not in use, using a cash dispenser or recycler if available, and storing excess cash in a vault or safe. You should also avoid displaying large amounts of cash or leaving it unattended. Additionally, you should secure your personal belongings, such as your purse, wallet, phone, or keys, in a locker or a designated area.

3 Be alert and aware

The third step to ensuring cash security is to be alert and aware of your surroundings and your customers. You should pay attention to any unusual or suspicious behavior, such as nervousness, aggression, loitering, or wearing disguises. You should also avoid giving out too much information about yourself, your co-workers, or your branch, such as your name, schedule, or location. Furthermore, you should maintain eye contact and a friendly demeanor with your customers, but avoid engaging in unnecessary conversation or distraction.

4 Follow the robbery prevention guidelines

The fourth step to ensuring cash security is to follow the robbery prevention guidelines of your bank or credit union. These may include displaying signs that indicate limited cash on hand, using cameras and alarms, and keeping doors and windows clear. You should also cooperate with any robbers and avoid any resistance or heroism. Your main priority is to protect your life and the lives of others. After a robbery, you should activate the alarm, call the police, preserve the evidence, and wait for instructions.

5 Balance your cash and report any discrepancies

The fifth step to ensuring cash security is to balance your cash and report any discrepancies at the end of your shift or day. You should use a cash counting machine or a calculator to verify your cash drawer amount and compare it with your transaction records. You should also reconcile your cash dispenser or recycler if applicable. If you find any overages or shortages, you should report them to your supervisor and explain the possible causes. You should also document any errors or adjustments in a log or a form.

6 Keep learning and improving

The sixth step to ensuring cash security is to keep learning and improving your skills and knowledge. You should attend any training or refresher courses offered by your bank or credit union on cash handling and balancing, security and safety, and customer service. You should also seek feedback from your supervisor and co-workers on your performance and areas for improvement. You should also stay updated on the latest trends and regulations in the banking industry and the teller operations field.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?