Things CUs Can do to Prepare for Potential Unrest After Elections

One of the core pillars of the United States of America is the right for its citizens to vote and choose their leaders. While the election process can sometimes be contentious, and some may feel disappointed with the outcomes, many organizations and businesses nationwide are promoting peaceful reactions to election results. However, there is some concern there could be civil unrest.

While credit unions may not be the target of any unrest, they are also not immune to these occurrences. TruStage previously issued a risk alert that provides several risk mitigation tips that credit unions may wish to consider.

·         Evaluate if your credit union location(s) is a potential target for protesters. Credit union-owned vehicles, repossessed vehicles, and other property should be relocated from parking lots if possible. In addition, consider putting locks on dumpsters or outside trash areas.

·         Review drive-up lanes and parking lots to determine if cars waiting for service could be trapped with no means of escape if approached by protesters.

·         Speak with employees to determine their comfort level of reporting to work. Be aware of employee concerns for their individual and family safety. Consider allowing employees to work from home.

·         Encourage employees to be vigilant and watch for signs of trouble when in unfamiliar areas. People may find themselves in the middle of a civil unrest protest with little or no warning.

·         If there is a concern about a particular known event, consider closing or revising the credit union’s hours, allowing employees and members to make their way home safely. If a threat materializes, appropriate lockdown procedures may be necessary as the credit union might serve as the safest place against the unrest.

·         Follow standard protocol when it comes to building security. Conduct a thorough review of branch safety and security policies, including emergency exits, opening and closing procedures, active threats, and be sure to brief staff on these topics.

·         Coordinate with local law enforcement on what a response might look like. Bear in mind that in the event of civil unrest, local law enforcement response time may be delayed significantly.

·         Ensure employees understand expectations and know what to do before, during, and after an event as well as during different threat levels. Most importantly, employees should not confront protesters.

·         Stay in communication with employees and facilities alerting them to concerns of threats, receiving updates on their safety, as well as knowing when the threat has been eliminated.

·         Ensure parking lots and ATM areas are well-lit and covered with adequate surveillance coverage. Consider limiting the amount of cash stored or even shutting down ATMs in higher risk areas. Temporarily stop cash replenishment at offsite ATMs, especially if conducted by staff.

·         Be sure there is adequate surveillance coverage of the external areas of the property. Ensure the credit union’s fire systems and alarms are fully functional.

·         If you determine it is in the best interests of your employees’ and members’ safety to close a branch location, we recommend signage stating that the branch is closed for the day and directing members to other branches and to online resources.

Do not hesitate to reach out to your Association if you have questions, concerns, or require resources. We are here for you. Contact GoWest’s compliance team at 800.546.4465, or [email protected], or GoWest’s Marketing and Communication team at [email protected].

 

 

Posted in Advocacy on the Move.