There is another thread about security and detectors in general that made me think of this bank here in Indianapolis. It is in a bad area of town.
The branch opened in 2002 and it had been robbed at least 3 times each year since. In 2009, they installed a metal detection system that is effective but also controversial.
The bank has 2 sets of doors. When you enter the 1st set of doors, the 2nd set automatically lock. When the 1st set closes, you are scanned for large, metal objects. If the system finds something it doesn't like (yes, a mostly polymer gun will trip it), the 1st set of doors also lock and the clerk inside is notified. They determine if you are a friendly and, if so, they unlock all doors. If not, they unlock the 1st set and you are free to leave.
The system has already survived a court challenge. As long as they only detain you briefly, and then release you, the court ruled it was not infringing on your rights. Since installing the system, the bank has not been robbed.
What do you think? A reasonable inconvenience? Should the bank have just closed the branch instead? Do you like the idea of being locked in a fishbowl until some kid clerk decides that you get out? What say you?
