Bank Branch Physical Security Audit Checklist

This comprehensive bank branch physical security audit checklist ensures regulatory compliance with FDIC, OCC, Federal Reserve, Bank Protection Act, 12 CFR Part 326. Comprehensive security audit for bank branch locations covering robbery prevention, alarm systems, vault security, surveillance cameras, and employee safety training per FDIC bank security program requirements, Federal Reserve Regulation H (12 CFR Part 208), and Bank Protection Act of 1968. Physical security failures expose banks to

  • Industry: Financial Services & Banking
  • Frequency: Monthly / Quarterly
  • Estimated Time: 45 minutes
  • Role: Compliance Officer / Branch Manager
  • Total Items: 21
  • Compliance: FDIC, OCC, Federal Reserve, Bank Protection Act, 12 CFR Part 326

Physical Security Controls

Inspect physical security per Bank Protection Act requirements.

  • Has a Security Officer been designated per 12 CFR 326.2 responsible for bank security program?
  • Is electronic access control in place restricting teller areas, vault room, and back office from customer access?
  • Does vault or safe have time-delay lock meeting regulatory requirements for overnight protection?
  • Is exterior lighting adequate for surveillance camera coverage and customer/employee safety at all hours?
  • Is bait money in each teller drawer with serial numbers recorded per bank security plan?
  • Is robbery/duress alarm system tested monthly with police and alarm company notification documented?

Surveillance Camera Systems

Verify surveillance per 12 CFR 326.3 requirements.

  • Do cameras cover all required areas including teller stations, vault entrance, customer service, and ATMs?
  • Do cameras produce images of sufficient quality to identify individuals at all lighting conditions?
  • Is recording system functional with images stored for minimum period required by regulation?
  • Are cameras angled to capture face-level images at all entry points and teller windows?
  • Is ATM camera providing clear image of all users and current date/time stamp on recordings?

Robbery Response Preparedness

Verify employee training and response protocol.

  • Have all employees completed annual robbery awareness and response training per bank security plan?
  • Are dye packs or GPS tracking systems maintained in teller drawers per bank policy?
  • Are teller cash drawer limits enforced with excess cash secured in controlled vault throughout day?
  • Is post-robbery procedure (lock down, call 911, preserve scene, notify management) documented and trained?
  • Is Employee Assistance Program available for trauma support following robbery incidents?

Vault and Cash Management

Verify vault security and dual control.

  • Is dual control in place for all vault access and cash handling operations?
  • Are vault cash audits conducted per bank policy with unexplained differences investigated?
  • Are vault and safe combinations changed when combination-holders leave the bank?
  • Are cash-in-transit shipments handled by armored carrier with appropriate controls and insurance?
  • Is night depository properly secured and contents verified per dual-control procedure?

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Why Use This Bank Branch Physical Security Audit Checklist?

This bank branch physical security audit checklist helps financial services & banking teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for compliance officer / branch manager professionals, this checklist covers 21 critical inspection points across 4 sections. Recommended frequency: monthly / quarterly.

Ensures compliance with FDIC, OCC, Federal Reserve, Bank Protection Act, 12 CFR Part 326. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Bank Branch Physical Security Audit Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 21 inspection items across 4 sections: Physical Security Controls, Surveillance Camera Systems, Robbery Response Preparedness, Vault and Cash Management. It is designed for financial services & banking operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed monthly / quarterly. Each completion takes approximately 45 minutes.

Who should use this Bank Branch Physical Security Audit Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Compliance Officer / Branch Manager professionals in the financial services & banking industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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