Metal detectors at bank door

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jim357

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I live in Southern California and have noticed something in the past few months. I am seeing more and more banks with a metal detector system at the door. I was walking past one last Sunday that was closed and took a good look through the glass. The system is like a long tunnel about 15 feet long with a metal detector in the middle. You enter the front door, go through the detector and if they decide to let you in, the inside door is unlocked. There is also a small table with a TV camere pointing down at the table which I assume is to put your metal items on to be looked at using the TV camera when you then go through the detector.
I understand that the bank is concerned with getting robbed, but I am not a bank robber and don't like being treated like one. My bank does not have one installed (YET) and I am not sure what I will do if it is installed. By that I mean that if all banks do this, there is no bank to move my account to without one. My main concern is that I am offended by this. What do you think? Jim
 
offended why exactly? because you cannot carry a gun in the bank, because it takes a little longer for you to get done what you must. Sure it is an inconvenience, but I am not sure what you are getting at here... all the more reason for direct deposit and using the drive through. I avoid going into the bank whenever possible anyway...
 
"My main concern is that I am offended by this. What do you think?"

I think you should let them know why you're taking your banking business elsewhere.

Tim
 
i am not sure what there is to be offended about.. he is not being treated as a suspect, all customers are being inconvenienced in an attempt to prevent a crime...seems to me they will have more of an issue with delays and long lines but still nothing to be OFFENDED about... after all, they arent insulting your mother....
 
The bank that I was using for my business had one of those man traps but the funny thing is that when I first was going through, I placed the case that contained my paperwork (and a handgun) on the table, and they buzzed me in.

After I did business there for a little while, they just buzzed me in anyway, even though the detector sounded.

I no longer use them (they were in trouble, so I moved my accounts. They wound up being taken over by the FDIC)
 
Use the drive in. A bank is the last place I will blame for adding security like that.
 
Another reason to leave CA like I did almost 10 years ago. If you have a CCW and the bank doesn't have a no guns sign, just pull out your permit and show the guard. If they still object take your business elsewhere or do what I do, use direct deposit the ATM and home banking on your computer. Fortunately, BofA doesn't seem to have the same restrictions. They even offer a 2A MasterCard which donates to the 2nd Amendment Foundation. (Shameless plug but I'm not associated with them other than being a customer)
 
I seem to have generated some hostility because I resent being treated like a criminal when entering a bank that is holding my money. For some transactions, one must enter the bank. I understand why they are doing this. To give a more detailed answer as to just why I am offended, I would have to say that it is because I am not a bank robber as I am sure their other account holders are not bank robbers and I think there could be some way of letting account holders enter without having to pass through a metal detector. If I was entering a bank to open an account (i.e. not a current customer) I really would not object. I see it as just one more place where we have to line up like sheep to be inspected. And, maybe, just maybe, that is the reason. Jim
 
so you trust that everyone who has an account in the bank wouldnt rob the bank. perhaps open an account at the minimum amount to get around the metal detector. If I was intersted in robbing a bank I am sure I would be willing to trade a couple hundred bucks for several thousand. Your "Account holders" exception is a flawed idea... then of course you could go the way of only those who have X amount in the bank or have been customers for X amount of time, but then you are just being biased to someone who is not as financially well off or got fed up with their last bank.
 
I resent paying car insurance even though I have never caused an accident and haven't been ticketed in 30 years. It's called Risk Management and we live in a world that thinks collectively. Don't take it personal.
 
As much as it'd bug me to have to spend the extra minute anda half going through the metal detectors, I'd be more than happy to do it if it meant that my money was safer from theft because the detectors were in place.
 
Except that an account holder has already shown his identification, and the bank knows who they are. If they rob the bank, they will quickly get caught.

I feel the same way about Best Buy, when they insist on searching customers who are leaving, especially when they see me coming form the direction of the cash register.

That is why I mostly shop online now. When I do shop in a store, I refuse to allow myself to be searched.
 
Except that an account holder has already shown his identification, and the bank knows who they are. If they rob the bank, they will quickly get caught.
Click to expand...

so in this era of identity theft you really want to "bank" on that idea...?

The authorities will look pretty idiotic when they show up looking for a young, athletic white guy and open the door to find an old, blind black guy....OR vice versa

allowing select people through a security device simply because they do buisiness somewhere is idiotic. May not be the first law of self preservation but I am sure it is one, dont FULLY trust anyone.
 
The account holder exception of which I was thining would allow them to ID the person as they enter the bank. If they know who you are, by name and social security number and you are identified yourself when you enter, then you would not likely rob the place. But you may be right, there are a lot of social security numbers floating around that are biing used by the person to whom they are not really issued. Back to the drawing board on that one.
But it is not useful for someone to tell me how I should feel about this issue. So far in this country I do not have to like everything that goes on. I don't like the idea of metal detectors at the door of many government and even private buildings. I don't like having to walk throught one of these things to show that I am not whatever it is they are afraid I am. I understand that many people have no problem with this and I have no issue with your lack of concern. I also understand that my opinion is a bit extreme for 2009. I just see it as a case of people being treated like sheep. I mean no offense to anyone who thinks the metal detectors are a good idea, it is just my OPINION. We are moving so far away from individual freedom that I hate to see even a little bit of it go away. Make no mistake, it goes away small piece by small piece. What would happen if these things showed up at the bank doors 20 years ago. I think a mass loss of customers. We are no so used to such loss of privacy and freedom and dignity that many folks like the idea. Maybe I am just getting old and cranky. Jim
 
Best Buy really wants to search customers leaving the store? What do you mean my search? I have a mental picture of something that can only be described as funny. Jim
 
I agree that it is irritating and i would rather avoid it if possible, I understand your stance of being put off by it. I am attempting to think of methods that could be used instead, but each has its drawbacks. If one is offended by a metal detector, then any other security separation device would likely be equally offensive.
 
Jim,

I don't think that you are overreacting or are wrong. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being upset when a commercial establishment like a bank chooses to act as if all its customers are crooks. I'd take my business elswehere, and let them know why.

When I travel, and am asked for a photo ID when checking in to a hotel, I tell the desk clerk no. I'm polite, even when they tell me that "Federal regulations" require it. I hand them my credit card and remind the clerk that they know who I am, my identity is reflected in my reservation and credit card.

If banks want to stop bank robbery there are many architectural features and security measures that will make them less vulnerable. They would prefer to inconvenience you, than to spend the money needed make these changes or to hire armed security officers to protect the bank branch.

Non illegituum carborundum. . . .
 
There is a metal detector on the market now called the Gun Gate. It allows people to walk through without emptying their pockets and all that other nonsense and will not alert except if the person is carrying a gun. It seems to me that this type of setup, which is just as cost effective as the typical metal detector, can be used very discreetly and therefore without the hassles associated with a standard metal detector. The bank can then post the appropriate signage and be done with it. I personally don't feel it's unreasonable for a bank to restrict firearms on their premises. I may not like it, but I understand and comply. However, I do agree with the OP that being herded through a metal detector to simply get to your own money is annoying. There are better ways to impress your clientele.
 
Best Buy really wants to search customers leaving the store? What do you mean my search?
Click to expand...

A number of companies do this. They go through your bags and check them against the receipts. I do not allow myself to be searched. I find this practice to be highly insulting: "We want your money, but we think you are a thief."

Even though it has been well established that companies lose more to employee theft than they do to customer theft.

There is a metal detector on the market now called the Gun Gate. It allows people to walk through without emptying their pockets and all that other nonsense and will not alert except if the person is carrying a gun.
Click to expand...

and how does this machine know the difference between a 15 ounce revolver, and any other 15 ounce metal object?
 
I wear steel toe boots about 99% of the time, yes medal detector's are annoying. But I can tell you if you want to go into our local court house with 10 ccw's on you, all you have to do is put on the steel toe boots and point it out. They just wave you through. I think it is kind of funny, and defeats the point.

Personally, I would also be annoyed buy them at my bank. But no more than I go inside I wouldn't let it get to me to bad.
 
We have one of those here in Louisville, near downtown. It is definitely a creepy feeling getting 'scanned' for weapons when you just want to make a deposit. Needless to say I don't go to that branch anymore.

Hey, you should put something large and metallic in your pocket next time to set off the detectors. Just make sure it's 'benign'. Maybe a large 16th century gold medallion?:p
 
I was offended when a Sheriffs Deputy with a wand made me take my little Swiss Army Knife back to my truck, parked three blocks away, when I reported for jury duty last year.

I was offended when an armed guard at the Social Security office made me take my Benchmade 710 back to the truck when I applied for SS.

Those were the only two times I have been totally disarmed since Army basic training in 1964.

However, it's the times we live in.
And the times, they are a changing!

rc
 
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