---
kind: "section"
citation: "12 C.F.R. § 21.3"
title: "12"
number: "21.3"
heading: "Security program."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/12/21.3"
---

# §21.3. Security program.

- (a) **Contents of security program.** The security program shall:
  - (1) Establish procedures for opening and closing for business and for the safekeeping of all currency, negotiable securities, and similar valuables at all times;
  - (2) Establish procedures that will assist in identifying persons committing crimes against the institution and that will preserve evidence that may aid in their identification or conviction; such procedures may include, but are not limited to:
    - (i) Using identification devices, such as prerecorded serial-numbered bills, or chemical and electronic devices;
    - (ii) Maintaining a camera that records activity in the banking office; and
    - (iii) Retaining a record of any robbery, burglary or larceny committed or attempted against a banking office;
  - (3) Provide for initial and periodic training of employees in their responsibilities under the security program and in proper employee conduct during and after a robbery; and
  - (4) Provide for selecting, testing, operating and maintaining appropriate security devices, as specified in [paragraph (b)](#b) of this section.
- (b) **Security devices.** Each national bank shall have, at a minimum, the following security devices:
  - (1) A means of protecting cash or other liquid assets, such as a vault, safe, or other secure space;
  - (2) A lighting system for illuminating, during the hours of darkness, the area around the vault, if the vault is visible from outside the banking office;
  - (3) Tamper-resistant locks on exterior doors and exterior windows designed to be opened;
  - (4) An alarm system or other appropriate device for promptly notifying the nearest responsible law enforcement officers of an attempted or perpetrated robbery, burglary or larceny; and
  - (5) **Such other devices as the security officer determines to be appropriate, taking into consideration—**
    - (i) The incidence of crimes against financial institutions in the area;
    - (ii) The amount of currency or other valuables exposed to robbery, burglary, or larceny;
    - (iii) The distance of the banking office from the nearest responsible law enforcement officers and the time required for such law enforcement officers ordinarily to arrive at the banking office;
    - (iv) The cost of the security devices;
    - (v) Other security measures in effect at the banking office; and
    - (vi) **The physical characteristics of the banking office structure and its surroundings.**

## Notes

### Source

Source: 56 FR 29564, June 28, 1991, unless otherwise noted.

### Authority

Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1, 93a, 161, 1462a, 1463, 1464, 1818, 1881-1884, and 3401-3422; 31 U.S.C. 5318.