"The Santa Gang: Bank Robberies (Profiles for Robbers of the 1870's, 1930's, 1980's and 1990's Differ; Today's Robbers May Be on the Right-Wing Fringe)." The Economist (US) 338, no. 7951 (February 3, 1996): p. 21(2).Notes: Available full-text on InfoTracAbstract: Although banks in America are not getting robbed as zealously as in the early 1990's, this sort of theft remains a considerable cottage industry. Do the sort of people who perpetrate it tell us something about the time we live in? The men who took money at gunpoint in the 1870's were often warriors on the loose after the Civil War, like Jesse James. The 1930's saw the rise of populist gangsters, who pretended to be doing their thing in the name of the ordinary man; think of Bonnie and Clyde and Pretty Boy Floyd. The 1980's were the era of the criminal drug addict. On current evidence, in the mid-1990's, it may be the turn of right-wing nuts.

Ballezza, Richard. "YACS Crime Groups: An FBI Major Crime Initiative (Yugoslavian/Albanian/ Croatian/Serbian)." FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin 67, no. 11(November 1998): p. 7(6).Abstract: The FBI established the Yugoslavian/Albanian/Croatian/Serbian (YACS) Crime Group initiative because of increasing numbers of burglaries on bank automated teller machines, supermarkets and shopping centers by these groups. The various companies helped in the YACS initiative by examining their alarm and security systems. Business owners improved their alarm systems in such a way that when the burglars cut off the lines, an alert signal would be sent to the police agencies. The FBI focused on the New York City area and provided assistance to police agencies.

This bibliography is a representative selection of materials either owned or on order by the FBI Academy Library. Inclusion of an item does not represent an endorsement by the FBI of the material or its author.

Barancik, Scott. "FBI Data on Bank Robbery Contradicts Movie Myths: Study Finds That Most Bank Robberies Happen Between 9 and 11 a.m." American Banker 163, no. 323(December 1998).Notes: Available full-text on Lexis-NexisAbstract: Bank robbers who want to pull a job on a Friday morning may have to wait in line. According to statistics released by the FBI, Friday, between 9 and 11 a.m., was the most popular time to flash a gun and demand a sack of cash in 1997. Despite Hollywood's taste for nighttime incursions and vault-busting explosives, less than 10% of robberies or burglaries took place while the bank was closed, and only 1 in 20 involved an attempt to break into a safe. Surveillance cameras do not seem to deter robbers or burglars, perhaps because virtually every bank has these devices. About 96% of the banks hit by such crimes in 1997 used cameras, and 98% had alarm systems.

Carroll, Paul and Ronald John Loch. "The Chicago Bank Robbery Initiative." FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin 66, no. 4(April 1997): pp. 9-18.Abstract: The Chicago Police Department and the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the research called the Chicago Bank Robbery Initiative to determine the crucial factors that influenced bank robbers' decisions, the security measures with the greatest deterrent effect, and the actions most effective in helping police apprehend suspects.

Caryl, Christian. "Reach Out and Rob Someone." U.S. News and World Report 122(April 21, 1997): p. 58.Abstract: Volodya Levin, a young computer programmer from St. Petersburg, Russia, hacked into the internal network of America's Citibank and, over an 18-month period, transferred $10.4 million into accounts of his own in six countries around the world. The majority of the money was recovered by investigators, who had used it to locate Levin, but $400,000 of the cash is still missing. Levin's arrest in London in March 1995 sent shock waves through computer-security circles, as it indicated that Russia, which is home to some of the world's most ruthless criminals, had discovered the Internet.

Cassell, Paul G. "Fixing Miranda." Prosecutor 34, no. 1(January/February 2000): pp. 35-39.Notes: Available full-text on WestlawAbstract: When the U.S. Supreme Court granted certiorari to review the decision in United States v. Dickerson, the stage was set for one of the most important criminal procedure decisions by the Court in recent memory; at issue is whether a purely voluntary confession can be suppressed because of a technical "Miranda" violation. "Dickerson" arose from a bank robbery investigation in Northern Virginia in which a joint investigation by FBI agents and state law enforcement officers resulted in the arrest of a serial bank robber named Charles Dickerson. After agents talked to Dickerson for about an hour, they obtained incriminating statements from him about his involvement in the robberies. At a later suppression hearing, however, there was a dispute about exactly when he had received his Miranda warning.

Collins, Scott. "To Catch a Thief." Los Angeles Magazine 44, no. 9(September 1999): p. 44.Notes: Available full-text on WilsonWebAbstract: Bank robber Edwin C. Dodson was arrested after a stand-off at the Farmer's Daughter Motel in Los Angeles. Police say that the former antiques dealer returned to his drug habit following his release in 1994, after a ten-year prison sentence. Dodson, who the FBI say is the most prolific solo bank robber in the history of the United States, goes on trial in August for four of eight Westside and Santa Barbara bank robberies committed earlier in 1999 and could face up to 95 years in federal prison.

Davis, Joseph A. "Criminal Personality Profiling and Crime Scene Assessment: A Contemporary Investigative Tool to Assist Law Enforcement Public Safety." Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice 15, no. 3(August 1999): pp. 291-301.Abstract: Criminal personality profiling is discussed with respect to its nature and use. The identification of subtle habits, psychological traits, and personality variables associated with criminal activity are used to develop personality and behavioral descriptors of an offender who often commits heinous crimes, of which one is bank robbery.

Erickson, Rosemary J. Armed Robbers and Their Crimes. Seattle, WA: Athena Research Corporation, 1996.Call Number: HV 6658 .E75 1996Abstract: This is a powerful and significant study of armed robbers. From street muggers to bank robbers, they tell why they do it, how they do it, and why people get hurt. The study explores the thinking and motives of the robbers and examines what they look for when they plan to rob.

Federal Bureau of Investigation. Bank Crime Statistics (BCS), Federally Insured Financial Institutions, January 1-December 31, 1998. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice, 1999.Call Number: J 1.14/2:C 86/19/998Abstract: The most recent FBI bank crime statistics are broken down by robberies, burglaries, larcenies and extortions investigated under the Federal Bank Robbery and Incidental Crime Statute, as well as violations involving armored carriers investigated under the Hobbs Act.

Federal Bureau of Investigation. "FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitive: Victor Manual Gerena." [http://www.fbi.gov]. 29 June 2000.Abstract: On the FBI's website, as one of the FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitives, Victor Manuel Gerena is being sought in connection with the armed robbery of approximately $7 million from a security company in Connecticut. He allegedly took two security employees hostage at gunpoint and then handcuffed, bound and injected them with an unknown substance in order to further disable them.

Federal Bureau of Investigation. "Wanted by the FBI: Unknown Suspects." [http://www.fbi.gov]. 29 June 2000.Abstract: On the FBI's website are photographs of unknown suspects wanted by the FBI for bank and armored carrier robberies in various states.

Gips, Michael. "The New Face of Robbery Investigation?" Security Management 42, no. 1(January 1998): p. 15.Abstract: Despite having surveillance photos of suspected bank robbers, police in Maryland could not identify the culprits. But, they reasoned, perhaps the public could. That possibility led police to approach two Maryland bank associations about putting digital "wanted posters" on their jointly run Web site.

Gips, Michael A. "Banks Get Food For Thought." Security Management 44, no. 1(January 2000): p. 19.Notes: Available full-text on InfoTracAbstract: Bank branches in supermarkets have become increasingly common since the 1990's because they are less expensive for banks to maintain and convenient for consumers. But they are also an easy target for robbers. Their tellers tend to have more money in their cash drawers than tellers at traditional branches. While no one knows the extent of the problem, efforts are underway to assess it. The Food Marketing Institute has set up a Supermarket Bankers Security Committee and has begun to collect information on supermarket bank robbery trends.

Greene, A. C. The Santa Claus Bank Robbery. Denton, TX: University of North Texas Press, 1999.Call Number: HV 6661 .T42G7Abstract: A.C. Greene re-creates one of America's most bizarre holdups--one that began as a lark. On Christmas Eve 1927, four men set off to rob the First National Bank of Cisco, Texas. Soon the lark turned into a tragedy--and at times a comedy--of errors. The robbers did not realize the car they had stolen for their getaway was running on empty. The leader did not anticipate the attention his disguise would draw, even though it was a bright red Santa Claus suit. And they could not have known that all of Cisco would have guns at hand because the Bankers Association had offered a reward of $5,000 for any dead bank robber, no questions asked. The Santa Claus bank robbery set off a chain of events that would lead to violence and the death of six men and launch the largest manhunt Texas had ever seen.

Gwynne, S. C. "Bloodshed in the Banks: From Eau Claire to Orlando, Robberies Are Up Sharply This Year. Is Hollywood to Blame?" Time 149, no. 13(March 31, 1997): p. 42.Notes: Available full-text on InfoTracAbstract: The number of bank robberies rose sharply in 1996, and the first three months of 1997. Takeover robberies are becoming more common as are female bank robbers. Some experts say drug addiction is the primary cause, while others point to movies that glorify bank robbers such as "Heat."

IACP National Law Enforcement Policy Center. "Bank/Financial Institution Alarm Response." IACP Concepts and Issues Papers (October 1992): 5 p.Abstract: This paper accompanies the Model Policy on Bank/Financial Institution Alarm Response. It presents essential background material and supporting documentation to provide greater understanding of the developmental philosophy and implementation requirements for the model policy. It should prove of value to law enforcement executives in their efforts to tailor the model to the requirements and circumstances of their community and law enforcement agency.

Institute for Financial Crime Prevention. Robbery, the Aftermath. The Institute for Financial Crime Prevention, 25 min., 1988.Call Number: HV 6769 .R63 A/VAbstract: This videotape features eight actual financial institution employees who experience a robbery while at work. Discusses the provisions of the Bank Protection Act of 1968 that help bank employees learn what they should and should not do to protect their lives and preserve property.

International Association Chiefs of Police. "Bank/Financial Alarm Response." IACP Model Policies (July 1992).Abstract: The purpose of the policy is to provide law enforcement officers with guidance for responding to and handling alarms at banks and other financial institutions.

Lissenden, P. W. "Bank Robbery: A Target for Community Policing." FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin 65, no. 9(September 1996): pp. 16-20.Abstract: In Suffolk County, New York, police investigators developed and implemented an innovative community policing program that provides the employees of financial institutions with formal crime awareness training. The approach has proven so successful and popular that variations of the original program have been developed to assist other potential crime victims.

Longmore-Etheridge, Ann. "Crime Stopper." Security Management 42, no. 3(March 1998): pp. 20-22.Abstract: Val Yuen's crime spree in Richmond, Virginia, during March 1996-April 1997, was so active that the FBI took on the case. Agents were ultimately able to catch their man in part thanks to Central Fidelity Bank's comprehensive CCTV system, which included video image enhancement equipment. The smart switcher is tied to the alarms so that if a teller pushes an undercounter button or pulls money from a billtrap, the switcher automatically changes the normal polling speed of the cameras, making a loop of all cameras in less than one second. All video feed is recorded on site, and security responds to the scene immediately after a robbery to take charge of the tape.

Malinowski, Sean. "LAPD Shootout: Public Praise in the Aftermath." Crime & Justice International (April 1997): pp. 18-19.Abstract: The February 27, 1997, shootout in which police officers from the Los Angeles Police Department intervened in a bank robbery and killed two suspects produced strong support from the public and local businesses.

Mann, Terry. "Policies That Pay Off." Security Management 44, no. 2(February 2000): pp. 42-46.Abstract: According to FBI statistics, the number of bank robberies per year has declined since 1996. But robbers are getting away with larger amounts of money per incident, and criminals seem more prone to violence than ever before. This changing environment has forced security managers to rethink their prevention strategies. This article looks at the nature of robberies and how today's security professionals are combating them with a combination of old and new techniques.

Rehder, William J. "How Local Banks and Law Enforcers Jointly Reduced Violent Bank Robberies in Los Angeles." Journal of Retail Banking Services 20, no. 2(June 22, 1998): 13 p.Notes: Available full-text on Lexis-NexisAbstract: In the territorial jurisdiction of the FBI's Los Angeles Division, bank robberies averaged approximately 400 per year during the 1960's. In the 1970's, that average doubled to almost 800 per year. In 1978, for the first time, the number of robberies exceeded 1,000--which vaulted the Los Angeles area into the national leadership in total yearly bank robberies, and Los Angeles was dubbed the "bank robbery capital of the world." The area retained that somewhat dubious leadership position ever since, with an average of 1,400 bank robberies per year in the 1980's. After peaking at 2,641 robberies in 1992, by 1997, that number was down to 749--and the most violent kind of robberies had almost been halved.

________. "Reducing Violent Bank Robberies in Los Angeles." FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin 69, no. 1(January 2000): pp. 13-17.Abstract: Coordinated efforts by the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Los Angeles Field Office, local police, and the Southern California banking community have resulted in a steady decline in the previously high rate of bank robberies in the Los Angeles area.

U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. After the Robbery: Crisis to Resolution. Milwaukee, WI: Marx Communication Studios, 20 min., 1997.Call Number: HV 6250.25 .A5 A/VAbstract: In tracing robbery from crisis to resolution, this video is designed to help bank robbery victims cope with the emotional trauma of victimization and to inform victims about the criminal justice process. A companion guidebook with the same title accompanies the videotape.

Woolley, Daniel T. "Electronic Robbery: How to Prevent Huge Losses in Nanoseconds." Journal of Retail Banking Services 20, no. 2(June 22, 1998): 7 p.Notes: Available full-text on Lexis-NexisAbstract: Today, more financially significant bank robberies are occurring without conventional weapons. Criminals armed with computers and modems attached to worldwide networks are penetrating financial institutions when there are no employees or customers watching. This article discusses the contrasts between traditional bank robberies and electronic thefts.

Compiled by Jean Caddy, 7/00