(a) Contents of security program. The security program shall:

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Terms Used In 12 CFR 21.3

  • Assets: (1) The property comprising the estate of a deceased person, or (2) the property in a trust account.
  • Conviction: A judgement of guilt against a criminal defendant.
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • National Bank: A bank that is subject to the supervision of the Comptroller of the Currency. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency is a bureau of the U.S. Treasury Department. A national bank can be recognized because it must have "national" or "national association" in its name. Source: OCC

(1) Establish procedures for opening and closing for business and for the safekeeping of all currency, negotiable securities, and similar valuables at all times;

(2) Establish procedures that will assist in identifying persons committing crimes against the institution and that will preserve evidence that may aid in their identification or conviction; such procedures may include, but are not limited to:

(i) Using identification devices, such as prerecorded serial-numbered bills, or chemical and electronic devices;

(ii) Maintaining a camera that records activity in the banking office; and

(iii) Retaining a record of any robbery, burglary or larceny committed or attempted against a banking office;

(3) Provide for initial and periodic training of employees in their responsibilities under the security program and in proper employee conduct during and after a robbery; and

(4) Provide for selecting, testing, operating and maintaining appropriate security devices, as specified in paragraph (b) of this section.

(b) Security devices. Each national bank shall have, at a minimum, the following security devices:

(1) A means of protecting cash or other liquid assets, such as a vault, safe, or other secure space;

(2) A lighting system for illuminating, during the hours of darkness, the area around the vault, if the vault is visible from outside the banking office;

(3) Tamper-resistant locks on exterior doors and exterior windows designed to be opened;

(4) An alarm system or other appropriate device for promptly notifying the nearest responsible law enforcement officers of an attempted or perpetrated robbery, burglary or larceny; and

(5) Such other devices as the security officer determines to be appropriate, taking into consideration:

(i) The incidence of crimes against financial institutions in the area;

(ii) The amount of currency or other valuables exposed to robbery, burglary, or larceny;

(iii) The distance of the banking office from the nearest responsible law enforcement officers and the time required for such law enforcement officers ordinarily to arrive at the banking office;

(iv) The cost of the security devices;

(v) Other security measures in effect at the banking office; and

(vi) The physical characteristics of the banking office structure and its surroundings.