In 2008, the banking industry saw a spike in bank robberies, to which the Florida Banking Association responded by pleading with members to adopt new rules. These rules weren’t the kind of rules you might expect — like an increase in security, better video surveillance or adherence to guidelines outlined in federal compliance posters. The Florida Banking Association called for a dress code for customers, and soon after, a “No Hats, No Hoods, No Sunglasses” program was implemented. This program requests that customers remove hats, hoods, and sunglasses before approaching a teller. If a person refuses, they are directed to a more secure area with a more experienced teller.
According to FBA president, Alex Sanchez, “The ‘No Hat’ program is one more layer of protection for banks, employees, and bank customers.” At the time, one of the largest banks in Florida, Wachovia, declined to adopt it. They thought that it might be offensive to ask some customers to take off such personal items. But, with 265 bank robberies, Florida ranked ninth in the country in 2006. In 2007, the number jumped to 361 robberies. According to the FBA, 40% of all bank robberies included some kind of facial disguise.
When states like Missouri began posting workplace compliance posters and enacting the “No Hats, No Hoods, No Sunglasses” Program in 2002, the state saw a 47% drop in bank heists (as of 2008). Compliance Posters Company has worked since 1989 to keep you compliant with OSHA posters.