I finally got a reply to the letter I sent my bank... here is a copy of what I sent and a copy of what I got for a reply. I love how she included the part of how they don't search their customers or have metal detectors eluding that I could carry and not get caught unless I was to drop it or not hide it very well...lol.
Hi Mr. Montgomery(CEO),
I just wanted to send an email to cover a couple of things. I’ve banked with you for a couple of years and have been tremendously happy with my banking experience. So thank you for providing a great service and please continue the great job. I have a question about one of the banks policies that I wanted to direct towards you. One thing that would improve my personal banking experience and my wife’s would be a policy change to the “No Weapons” policy that I see on the door as I enter the bank every time. Criminals do not abide by policies or prohibiting signs and I personally feel that as times get harder for people, they get more desperate and heaven forbid start robbing more people and businesses including banks. NC is an “Open Carry State” meaning that law abiding citizens can carry a handgun openly in any business not posted as a “No Weapons” business. I encourage you to read the story at this link,
http://www.brenhambanner.com/articles/2010/08/19/news/news03.txt , how one bank out of many across the nation are changing their policy to try to deter criminals from even thinking about robbing a bank where they know customers might be carrying a gun to protect themselves and the people around them. As far as I know, Bank of NC has had no violent bank robberies, and I’ll continue to pray that stays the case but I do worry every day I leave my house. I do hope you read this entire email and think seriously about a policy change and if so, Thank you very much for your time.
Their Reply:
Mr. smlawrence,
First, please accept my apology in the delay in response to the e-mail you sent to Mr. Montgomery. Because I am the Bank Security Officer, Mr. Montgomery shared your e-mail and concerns with me and I told him that I would send you a response. Unfortunately, I was called into a meeting and this e-mail was buried among the many I receive. I do hope you’ll accept my apology.
I do appreciate and thank you for sharing your opinion on the bank’s position of not allowing concealed weapons in the bank. This remains an industry standard and the bank’s position has been based on best practices that will protect our customers and employees as well as comply with the legal requirements and take into consideration potential liabilities. We do not search anyone entering in our branches and currently do not have metal detectors at the entrance of our facilities. We do, however, prefer that in the unfortunate event of a robbery or instance, that the intruder leave as quickly as possible and we will allow law enforcement to handle it from there. We have and will continue to take your opinion, along with that of Chapel Hill Bank, into consideration as we continuously evaluate our security systems and processes.
Again, thank you for your sharing your opinion and for banking with us. Communication from our customers is always welcome and valued.
Sincerely,
Michelle F.
