Created by the Mosler Anti-Crime Bureau and directed by veteran law enforcement filmmaker Dennis Anderson, “Silent Alarm Response” is an educational film intended to be shown to police and security officers, and bank and savings and loan staff. It dates to 1981. The film discusses bank robberies, with a focus on how staff and law enforcement can improve response procedures. Notably, the film contains sixty-two surveillance photos of real hold-ups, with the narrator pointing out proper and safe procedures to follow before, during and after a robbery.
The film starts with a snapped picture of an armed burglar (0:18). More than six thousand bank robberies every year, another picture of a bank robbery (0:48). Female bank robber is photographed (1:01). “Silent Alarm Response” video title screen along with the narrator describing what the video will be about (1:59). Video shows bankers’ routine and people at the bank (2:14). Narrator describes that bank robbers target tellers who are most experienced as the video shows a teller in training plaque (2:45). The narrator explains that tellers who make a habit of scanning their customers might be enough to dissuade robbers, tellers are shown scanning their customers (3:25). Narrator describes what tellers should look for, “people who are dressed oddly for the weather” (3:45). Narrator asks whether or not the audience will be able to remember their security protocols in the event of a robbery and shows a group of petrified tellers petrified being robbed (6:13). The video then shows a police officer calmly walking into a bank in hopes to not botch the rescue and cause a shootout (7:30). However, the response was improperly handled and the police officer and lady at the front desk were shot (7:50). A police officer is calling in a silent alarm (8:49). An officer responds with emergency lights, but no sirens (9:30). The officer’s final position is one that allows for maximum defense (10:46). Two officers can cover all four corners of a bank, a diagram is shown of the cars at their positions (11:03). In some cases, officers are able to see inside, a picture of the robber surrendering is shown from a window of a bank (11:53). The police captures a robber as he runs out of the bank (12:32). Officer moves closer to get a better look and is shot (14:00). An officer is shot from behind because he forgot to check for the criminals back up (14:30). Narrator stresses that the best tactic that is to remain hidden, and observant (15:13). The video shows a bank supervisor meeting an officer outside, the best way to determine a false alarm (17:07). People should not attempt to be a hero in a bank robbery, video shows pictures of those
who tried and failed (18:35). The narrator states that you should try to get a mental picture of the robbers without staring (19:29). When safe to do so, the secretary should, call the police and he police and stay on the line with them (20:50). Then the supervisor should attempt to relay a description of the vehicle and its direction to the secretary (21:31). It is important to safeguard the areas the robbers were (22:17). The witnesses should fill out a suspect description form without discussing amongst each other (22:50). The supervisor uses a brightly colored placard, signaling it is safe for the police to enter (23:47). It is important for witnesses to be able to contact the police later if it is needed (26:04). A crowd gathering outside, the narrator then says what not to say to the media (26:13). The video most likely touches on bank security protocols in the ‘80’s, based on the getaway car. Producer: Bravo Productions, inc. Director: Dennis Anderson Writer: James Skidmore. Editor: Marc Miller. Director of Photography: Marc Miller. California locations: Riverside National Bank. Redlands Federal Savings & Loan Association, Provident Federal Savings & Loan Association, Orange Belt Federal Savings & Loan Association.
The Mosler Anti-Crime Bureau was a short-lived arm of the Mosler Safe Company, which at the time was a division of the American Standard Co. Mosler began in 1874 as a manufacturer of safes, and was renowned for the strength and precise manufacturing of its products. The company went bankrupt in 2001 and was absorbed by rival Diebold.
This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com
