Alarms - Financial Institutions & Pharmacies

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of silent alarms in pharmacies as described in the policy?

To notify law enforcement of robbery attempts.

To serve as a deterrent against shoplifting.

To track movements of prescription medications without authorization. (correct)

To alert staff of potential thefts in progress.

How do the silent alarm response procedures differ from typical robbery response procedures?

They dictate a set response time of 5 minutes.

They require the use of bait bills and dye packs.

They utilize a callback system involving multiple parties. (correct)

They involve a direct alert to federal authorities.

Under the policy, which of the following is NOT a recognized feature of mobile security devices?

They may be attached to electronics.

They can track personal safety.

They can be installed in motor vehicles.

They are used strictly for asset protection. (correct)

What challenge is mentioned regarding the callback system for financial institutions?

Not all institutions have designated numbers or contacts. Signup and view all the answers

What joint investigation is mentioned as being conducted by OPD and another entity?

Robberies of FDIC-protected financial institutions and armored vehicles. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key function of 'man traps' as defined in the policy?

To physically prevent exits through controlled doors. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of GPS in silent alarm systems?

To accurately determine the location of the mobile security device. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the historic silent alarm response policy may still be relevant?

Many financial institutions continue to use old procedures. Signup and view all the answers

What is required before officers can enter a building where a silent alarm has been triggered?

A confirmation call from DC 911 is necessary. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a GPS tracking device is activated during a robbery?

Dispatch directs officers to switch to an encrypted channel. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a step in the procedure for handling silent alarms?

Officers entering the building without confirmation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the policy regarding the response to a silent alarm in a financial institution?

A minimum of two units will be dispatched. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of plainclothes officers in response to silent alarms?

They assess the location and gather information. Signup and view all the answers

In the case of a robbery, how is the information between officers and dispatch communicated?

Using encrypted radio channels. Signup and view all the answers

What should officers consider about the location of a financial institution when responding to a silent alarm?

Limited employees may complicate response. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of a Signal 20 in the communication process during a robbery?

It directs officers to switch channels for information. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Silent Alarm Response Policy

This policy details the response protocol for silent alarms at financial institutions and pharmacies.
The Omaha Police Department (OPD) developed the policy with financial institutions.
The system involves interaction between the financial institution, OPD, and Douglas County 911.
Historically, each institution had a designated callback number and contact person. This policy does not require strict adherence to historical aspects of silent alarm policy.
OPD and FBI jointly investigate robberies of FDIC-protected financial institutions within Omaha.

Silent Alarms in Pharmacies

Pharmacies now use silent alarms, which are GPS-enabled devices, to track prescription medications.
Officers should respond to pharmacy silent alarm calls the same way they would for financial institutions (call-back system).
Alarm is triggered when prescription medications are moved without authorization.

Definitions

Bait Bills: pre-recorded, serial-numbered currency.
Dye Packs: explosive money packs that leave a colored marker.
GPS (Global Positioning System): system for accurate location data usage.
Man Traps: building exits that restrict movement.
Mobile Security Device (MSD): security devices for personal safety or asset protection.
Mobile Unit/ESP (Electronic Satellite Pursuit): GPS-tracking system disguised as bills or attached to items.
Signal 20: radio code for dispatch when a GPS tracking device is activated.

Silent Alarm Procedure (Financial Institutions)

Minimum of two units (primary and backup officer) are dispatched to financial institution or pharmacy.
911 initiates a call to an employee at the alarmed facility to determine if alarm is real or false.
Officers may not enter the premises until an employee meets them in a designated location. This applies even if alarm is confirmed.
Officers must assess the location of the alarm. Limited staff might make it impossible for officers to meet outside.
Officers may be unable to determine a false alarm based on standard criteria due to the location or structure of financial institutions.
Employees will follow their established security protocols.
Designated employees may display an orange card to identify themselves.

Alarm Response Actions

A minimum of two officers (primary & backup) are immediately dispatched to include a primary officer.
Before officers arrive, 911 initiates verification calls to employees to confirm alarm authenticity.
If alarm is real and robbery is in progress, officers will maintain concealment/protective cover to observe the area perimeter.
The primary officer calls other units for backup and alerts a field sergeant.
The Field Sergeant responds to assist the primary officer.
All confrontations with suspects should take place outside.

DC 911 Confirmation Steps

911 will confirm the alarm is real by confirming with a financial institution or pharmacy employee.
If there is no answer, the alarm is considered real.
If a real alarm is detected and the suspect(s) have left, 911 obtains, and broadcasts, suspect descriptions and broadcasts.

Unverified Alarm Response

If 911 determines a status of the alarm after officers arrive, officers will take positions of protective cover and ensure perimeter observation.
If the alarm is false, officers request 911 to call the facility again.
The employee will then meet the primary officer in a designated area to assess the situation.

Plainclothes Officers

Plainclothes officers are responsible for initial response to silent alarms.
They advise 911 who in turn notifies the response cruiser officers.
All plainclothes officers must display badges.
They take protective cover and advise primary officers of their location.

Special Considerations

Banks and pharmacies may have surveillance systems, dye packs, bait bills, man traps and/or mobile unit/ESP security.
FBI agents may be present.
Officers should note all potential suspect vehicles to determine a course of action.
Response to specific situations, such as felony traffic stops, should follow established protocols.
Officers need to confirm a false alarm is indeed false prior to allowing the business/establishment staff to leave their position.

False Alarm Response

If 911 determines a false alarm, officers will be notified.
An employee will be directed to a designated location to await officers.
Officers will meet the employee in this area, debrief, and end the response.

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Description

This quiz covers the response protocols for silent alarms at financial institutions and pharmacies, developed in collaboration with the Omaha Police Department. It discusses the interaction between various authorities and highlights the use of GPS-enabled silent alarms in pharmacies to safeguard prescription medications.