Whatever you do, don't fight back!

[bbbean]

Good grief!

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_ODD_ROBBERY_TELLER?SITE=MOSTP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

Aug 2, 9:30 PM EDT

Seattle bank teller chases robber, loses job
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SEATTLE (AP) -- A Seattle bank teller has lost his job because he ran down a would-be bank robber and held him until police arrived. Jim Nicholson, 30, who had worked for more than two years at a Key Bank branch near the Seattle Center, says he understands the bank's strict policy that employees comply with robbery demands and avoid confrontations.

But he told The Seattle Times that instinct took over when a thin man in a beanie cap, dark clothing and sunglasses pushed a black backpack across the bank counter on Tuesday and demanded money.

Nicholson threw the bag to the floor, lunged toward the man and demanded to see a weapon. The man bolted for the door with Nicholson in pursuit.

He chased him several blocks before knocking him to the ground with the help of a passer-by. Nicholson then held the man until police arrived.

On Thursday, Nicholson was fired. Key Bank spokeswoman Anne Foster declined to comment on Nicholson and his actions.

Police and the FBI discourage such heroics. Bank tellers are trained to get robbers out the door quickly and are advised against possibly escalating a situation over money that's federally insured.

Nicholson said he understands why he was fired.

"They tell us that we're just supposed to comply, but my instincts kicked in and I did what's best to stop the guy," he said. "I thought if I let him go he would rob more banks and cause more problems."

Seattle police Sgt. Sean Whitcomb said the best course for citizens is to be good witnesses to crimes.

"When confronted by a violent criminal, it is best to comply unless they feel their personal safety is in jeopardy. It is possible that taking action and confronting the criminal may lead to the injury of the victim or other bystanders."

"You want tellers to be proactive, but you want them to do it safely," said FBI Special Agent Fred Gutt.

The would-be robber, a 29-year-old transient, has a lengthy criminal history, including convictions for theft and robbery, according to court records. Charges in the attempted robbery were not immediately filed.

Nicholson said he has run after shoplifters while working at other retail jobs.

"It's something I almost look forward to. It's a thrill and I'm an adrenaline-junkie person. It's the pursuit," he said.

---

Information from: The Seattle Times, http://www.seattletimes.com

[tombogan03884]

 They must punish any one who isn't a gutless sheep so they don't start thinking about the REAL crooks.
"It's for the children".

[Walkeraviator]

Again, not the company's fault.  Lawyers ae to blame here just as everywhere.  They have forced all companies into policies simlar to this.  When I worked at teh Home Depot they told us to just do what teh robber says.  If we follwed or attempted to get a license plate number we woudl be fired.

[twyacht]

As much as it "rubs us the wrong way",, company policy, especially corporate, is always going to have a pacifist, "give them what they want" so they go away mindset.

and if you "violate" company policy,... well,... you can and often will get fired...

The good news is, with this exposure, he'll get another job pronto...

I could never work at a bank...or "Quik-Mart" etc,...

[TAB]

you break company policy, you get fired, its just that simple. 

here is the deal, they rob the bank, take every last dime... guess what, the bank didn't lose a dime, its all insured. If you do something and either yourself, or some one else is hurt, then they pay big time.  Remember, if your hurt on the job, even if its your fualt, you employers workmens comp still pays.  if you spend 24 hours or more in the ER, by law osha must do a field inspection.  I have never heard a of a field inspection going well.  Even small things can be big time fines.

the reality is the system has the employers hands tied. 

lets for get all that, from a SD stand point, chasing him was a bad idea, so was confronting him.   most bank robberys happen with out any one but the robber and a clerk or two  knowing about it.

[Sponsor]

[Kid Shelleen]

As much as it "rubs us the wrong way",, company policy, especially corporate, is always going to have a pacifist, "give them what they want" so they go away mindset.

and if you "violate" company policy,... well,... you can and often will get fired...

The good news is, with this exposure, he'll get another job pronto...

I could never work at a bank...or "Quik-Mart" etc,...

10 Ring!!!