Q&A for How to Survive a Bank Robbery

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What should you not do during a bank robbery?

Saul Jaeger, MS
Police Captain, Mountain View Police Department
Saul Jaeger is a Police Officer and Captain of the Mountain View, California Police Department (MVPD). Saul has over 17 years of experience as a patrol officer, field training officer, traffic officer, detective, hostage negotiator, and as the traffic unit’s sergeant and Public Information Officer for the MVPD. At the MVPD, in addition to commanding the Field Operations Division, Saul has also led the Communications Center (dispatch) and the Crisis Negotiation Team. He earned an MS in Emergency Services Management from the California State University, Long Beach in 2008 and a BS in Administration of Justice from the University of Phoenix in 2006. He also earned a Corporate Innovation LEAD Certificate from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business in 2018.

Saul Jaeger, MS

Police Captain, Mountain View Police Department

Expert Answer

Don't fight the robber—you never know what they might be carrying. They might have a weapon, they might be mentally unstable, and/or they might be on drugs. Keep in mind that the robbers don't want to get caught and are looking to get away as soon as possible, so just let them take what they want and get out.

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Question

What if the robber has a gun to my head?

NY Blossom

Top Answerer

Follow their instructions and do not move or try to be the hero - it will not work. Keep in mind that they may kill people to prove they're serious, so don't count on getting out.

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Question

Would I get in trouble if I helped the robbers and took a cut of the money even if I wasn't initially involved?

Community Answer

Yes, you would be an accessory after the fact and you would definitely face charges.

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Question

What if I have a gun with me when the bank is being robbed?

Community Answer

Do not pull out the gun, as if the police show up at the wrong time, they might take you for the robber and shoot you. Make sure the robber does not see the gun.

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Question

What should I do if the robber used me as a human shield against the cops?

Jeffrey Louie

Community Answer

The cops would not shoot unless you were out of the way. Keep calm. If the robber's grip is weak, try to get away. If the grip is firm, stay calm also. The robber would not shoot, he knows that that will be trouble.

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Question

What if the robber speaks in a foreign language? How would you fill out your statement?

Community Answer

If you know what language the robber was speaking, you can add that information to the report. It doesn't necessarily matter what the robber said as it might not be an identifying factor.

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Question

If I am a customer of the bank, and the robber injures me, who pays my medical bill?

Community Answer

If you were injured and your insurance does not cover the cost of your treatment, it is likely the bank would be liable to pay but you may have to sue them to get your money.

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Question

How do I survive a shop robbery?

Community Answer

Remind yourself to stay relaxed, quiet and in control of yourself. You need to keep calm to clearly see the robber's traits, so you can describe him to the police after. Tell yourself that you are brave and will be able to make it through the robbery. Try thinking something like “I'm okay. I will survive this. I am brave enough to make it through this.”

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Question

Do bank robbers kill people during robberies?

Community Answer

It depends on the specific robbers. Sometimes they do end up killing people, but it is usually an accident when they do. Their primary focus is on obtaining money.

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Question

Why don't robbers take hostages often?

NY Blossom

Top Answerer

It's too messy. Most bank robbers are after money, which is of course why they'd choose a bank. Taking hostages makes them even more hunted, and most of them don't see a need to after all the cash is emptied.

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Question

What do I do if I know the bank robber and it's a family friend?

Community Answer

Report it to the police and tell them you may know who the suspect is. You withholding information about a felony is in itself a crime (obstruction of justice), and you could end up being prosecuted as well.

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