S
What does the S in SAFE stand for?
Scan
What does the A in SAFE stand for?
Alert
What does the F in SAFE stand for?
Friendly
What does the E in SAFE stand for?
Exit
What are the two words that make up this two-part safety protocol?
SAFE CATCH
True or False?
We should scan only the interior of the branch so as not to distract us from members
False,
Scanning includes looking out the windows to the parking lot, watching the doorway, and being aware of outside activity
How do we notify our teammates of a potentially suspicious person?
Teams
Outlook
Discreet conversation away from member-facing places
Why is it important to be friendly to a potential suspicious person?
It is proven that generous, kind actions help people to see one another as people. It can help humanize and prevent someone from lashing out violently as they now view the potential victim as a person.
True or False?
If a suspicious person is near the door, you should stand between the door and them to protect members.
False
Your safety is paramount. Positioning yourself to be a 'hero' can actually have the opposite effect and escalate a situation that could have been avoided.
Which word in the protocol is used to DETER a robbery, and which is used to RESPOND to one?
SAFE = Deter a robbery
CATCH = Respond to a robbery
What are some signs of a suspicious person?
Loitering / Avoiding contact with employees / Peering into private business areas without explanation / Mumbling to themselves / Becoming irate for no reason / Large clothing used to conceal
Why is it important to tell your team you notice a suspicious person?
It is good for all employees to be aware of potential dangers to our safety and operations. When we are all informed, it allows us to support one another and ensure individual safety as well as the safety of our membership.
What does being friendly mean?
Eye contact / Use their name if known / warm tone of voice / smile / offer help
Why is it important to leave a potential suspect a clear exit route?
Allowing someone to exit from a potential situation cuts down on the 'fight' part of the 'fight or flight' response. It leaves the person the opportunity to back out of the situation in a peaceful manner.
What is one thing the branch could do before any suspicious activity occurs to make SAFE CATCH more effective?
Communicate efficiently (use the main chat for business purposes and ensure you have it up and are checking it frequently).
Make sure alarms are up to date
Drill to make these practices second nature
The teller line is full of members needing assistance. You are helping Mary at your station. Should you have an idea of what the other members your colleagues are helping look like?
Yes!
Scanning includes during our time helping branch traffic. That way, if a suspicious person does act out while being helped by a colleague, you are well equipped to be an informative witness.
True or False?
You and one other are helping a line of members. You see a potential suspicious person join the line. Your manager is in their office. You call across the lobby for the manager to come assist on the line. Is this the correct way to inform the team of the danger?
No
Alerting outside digital communication channels does not inform the whole team of the potential risk. Furthermore, it may increase anxiety in the perpetrator if they notice and assume the manager's arrival is due to them.
If the individual is rude and standoffish, what is the best way to help alleviate the situation?
Kindness! It is proven to be a deterrent to aggressive behavior if you do not rise to that level and maintain a professional demeanor.
A suspicious person is near the entrance of the branch. Your colleague moves to the entrance to 'keep watch'. What should you tell you colleague and why?
Hey friend, this might not be the best idea. Letting the individual have a free and accessible exit may help prevent them from doing something that could get them in trouble. We should make sure the door is open and they can leave if they want to.
You are helping a member at your station when you notice a person outside in the parking lot who has been sitting in their car for 20 minutes watching the entrance. Which letter of SAFE applies first, and what do you do?
S applies first, Scanning the surroundings for the potential suspicious activity has already empowered you to notice the vehicle. Your next step is to Alert your colleagues and leaders.
What government organization helped develop the SAFE CATCH method for Financial Institutions?
The FBI
Alert the team by letting them know in the Teams branch chat, as well as send leadership on staff a private message.
A coworker argues that being friendly to a suspected robber is dangerous because it might encourage them to stay longer. How would you counter this argument using the principles of SAFE CATCH?
Friendliness is a deliberate de-escalation strategy. The goal isn't to invite conversation, but to reduce the perceived threat level on both sides. Robbery is most likely when a suspect feels anonymous, unnoticed, or cornered. Warmth and eye contact communicate that staff are present and attentive
What psychological principle makes giving someone an exit less likely to result in confrontation?
Fight or Flight
What does the acronym CATCH stand for, in order?
C = Call
A = alert
T = Tactical
C = Cash
H = Help