Party Time at the Bank

Some time ago I used know someone who knew someone who worked in a bank. For some reason we were chatting one evening and the conversation got around to "What would you do if someone came in and said 'I've got a gun, give me all your money'?"

Apparently the bank had a special code phrase which was to be used in this situation. The drill was to ask the cashier at the next position "What time is Andy's party?". Apparently the appropriate action involving silent alarms, marked notes and giant falling cages (or whatever) could then be taken.

This has bugged me for years. Viewed from the perspective of the robber this would be highly confusing. I'm presenting the person in front of me with the business end of a firearm, demanding money with menaces and the first thing they do is sort out a few social engagements before getting on with doling out  the cash. At very least this would make me inclined to increase their motivation a bit, perhaps by shooting up the place. Bonkers.

I've since figured out that the code phrase has now been changed slightly. Now, they way that they signal miscreants is by not offering them life insurance, a new mortgage or a car loan as they hand the money over....

Comments

[Alfred Thompson]

My wife was a bank teller for several years. She worked behind a Plexiglas barrier that was (in theory at least) bulletproof. I’m not sure anyone really wants to test it with live ammo though. Twice during her tenure someone tried to rob her station. One time involved a man with a sawed-off shotgun. The other involved two boys trying to copy a comedy routine from a Woody Allen movie. I was at their arraignment and the judge was no more amused than my wife was.
The drill for her was to hit the alarm and then drop below the counter. She was able to hit the ground so fast that the camera did not catch her. BTW After the second robbery attempt (no one ever got any money) she made a phone call to accept a new job offer then gave and worked out her notice.

[Willeth]

I wonder how hard it is for people named Andy to get jobs related to banking. Does the careers advisor in high school turn them away? 'Sorry son, but the job calls for someone who doesn't confuse people during a robbery.'