Four fundamental facts of cash in transit procedures

Cash in transit procedures is a standardized way of providing security services for the transport of cash and other valuables. The service is provided by private security companies or police officers, depending on the country’s security level.

Banks, financial institutions, retailers, and other businesses that have to transfer large amounts of cash or valuables after completing their day-to-day operations, in particular, hire security personnel with the armed to carry out this task.

What are the basic principles of the Cash in transit (CIT)?

• Stay safe
• Do not discuss the work
• Stay in the vehicle

Phrases that use in CIT operation.

• CIT= Cash in transit
• CIT crew= Security staff who carry out the CIT operation.
•  Crew leader= In-charge of the team
•  CIT Container = the box or cases where Cash or valuable are transported.
• Cash center = The place where the collected cash or valuable store.
• ATM = Automatic teller machine or cash dispenser machine.
• BR = Bullion run, the trips taken by the CIT crew.
• Pavement = The area between armor vehicles and cash delivery point or the collection points.
• Attack = A direct assault by the criminal to the CIT crew.
• Amor vehicles: A vehicle which uses to delivery and collection cash. Built which fire-resistant materials.
• Central control room (CCR) = A control room which monitors the CIT operation via CCTV or radio communication.

Roles and responsibilities of CIT team

There are two types of security staff categories in the CIT team;

1. Administrative
   • Licensing and compliance
   • Business administration
   • Accounting
   • Asset management e.g. vehicles, cash centers, staff, etc
2. Operational

• Driver – responsible for navigation, driving and parking the armored vehicle, and securing the vehicle
• Courier – Carries the CIT container while walking
• Escort – walks with and protects the courier

Other responsibilities of CIT crew;

• Communication with cash owners for pick up or delivery
• Communication with central control room during BR trips
• Protection of cash and valuables
• Wearing and maintaining protective equipment
• Controlling or repelling potential criminals with empty hands and defensive tools
• Preparing and submitting security and BR reports and documentation
• Undertake secure loading and unloading of cash in a variety of environments
• Maintain vigilance against the threat of;
  • Hold-ups
  • Hostage situations
  • Worker stress
  • Health and safety hazards

The threat to the CIT

The threat to the CIT crew can be serious, because, criminal always comes with planned and organized for robbery. Most of the attack comes to end with the health and safety of the CIT crew, so while carrying cash, awareness of the potential threats helps the CIT crew complete their operation without any tragedy.

Who poses a threat to the cash in transit operation?

• Planned attack and robbery
  • Individual criminal
  • Group of criminals
  • Organized crime ring
• Opportunity theft
• Vehicle accident
• Accidental injury to CIT crews e.g. slips, falls, crushing or pinching of limbs

Equipment and resources for CIT crew;

• Documentation 
  • Staff ID from the company
  • Bank ID
  • Police information card
  • Delivery/Collection documents
• Personal Equipment 
  • Personal radio
  • Alternate communications e.g. mobile phone
  • Helmet with visor
  • Body armor
    • Stab proof vest
    • Armguard
    • Elbow guard
    • Gloves
    • T-Baton
    • OC Spray
    • small arms
• Task equipment 
  • Armored vehicle
  • CIT container
  • Coin bags
  • Handheld receipt scanner/printer
  • Tamper devices

Coordination with the team;

The coordination and communication with the team is vital for successful operation, so, you need to maintain communication with;

• Central control room
• CIT leader
• CIT driver when Courier and Escort are on pavement
• Cash owners e.g.
  • Bank staff
  • Shop managers
  • Cash center

Types of CIT operation; and cash in transit procedures

The CIT operation has divided into 2 parts; however, both operation requires the same principle to secure the operation from any danger;

• Vehicle-mounted 
• Dismounted (on foot)

How to operate the vehicles mounted CIT task?

The vehicles mount CIT oration accomplish in the four-phase make sure all crew has followed the cash in transit procedures.

1. Before the operation :

Before you conduct the vehicles CIT operation it is very important to check the following requirements;

• Fitted security equipment is fully working 
  • • 360 cameras
    • Access locks
    • GPS system
    • Alarm system
    • Vault and compartments
    • Dummy bags and CIT containers
    • Radio communications
• Vehicle condition is good 

• • • No leaks from the engine compartment or excessive exhaust
    • Signals and lights working
    • Escape hatch operational
    • Tyre pressures set
    • Refueled and filler cap locked
    • Windows clean
    • Interior clean and organized
  • Cargo is secured in place 
  • Weight and Cash value limits are not exceeded

2. While on the road 

• Report progress through scheduled communications checks
• Use established reference codes, not actual place or location names for security purposes
• Update the central control room if expected arrival times change for any reason e.g. traffic, route diversion, etc.
• Maintain 360 awareness of the vehicle surroundings
  • • Driver and crew responsible
    • While moving, or stationary
• Report and record any suspicious or unusual observations
• Increase vigilance while stopped at traffic signals or intersections

3. Arriving at the collection or delivery;

• Visually scan the area for potential risks and threats
• Report arrival to the central control room
• If no immediate threats are identified, the Escort can get out and;
  • Walk around the car looking for risks or threats
  • Perform a secondary visual scan of the area looking for threats
• Present a professional and vigilant image
  • Signal the Courier to get out with the CIT container

Note: Safety!

• Parking and unloading from the armored vehicle presents a high risk for accident or safety incidents
• Drivers should ensure enough room to safely unload
• Escort and courier should remain aware of other traffic using the area

Structure of CIT crew

The size of the CIT crew can depend on the situation and the threat level but common CIT operation conduct by

• Driver  1
• Courier 1
• Escort 3

4. Dismounted operations 

When the CIT crew comes to the delivery point or collection center they will dismount the vehicles and move across the pavement into the cash transfer area e.g. shop, bank, or organization. While moving from the armored vehicle to the transfer area

• Ensure all protective equipment is worn correctly
• The T-Baton is carried in the standby position
• Move quickly to the transfer area
  • Adopt an appropriate walking formation for the route
  • Provide a buffer zone of protection for the courier
  • Do not stop for any reason except in an emergency
  • Be vigilant to threats, including diversions
  • Be prepared to take an alternate route or return to the armored vehicle
• When at the transfer area 
  • The escort team will
    • Radio check with the driver confirming safe arrival
    • Complete collection or delivery of cash
    • Secure CIT containers and receipt documents
    • Provide continuous surveillance and protection
  •  The driver will
    • Remain inside the vehicle
    • Not move the vehicle
    • Continue to observe and report on potential security risks When returning to the vehicle from the transfer area
    • The escort team will contact Radio to the driver

  • when ready to return to the vehicle

    • Adopt an appropriate walking formation for the route
    • Provide a protective buffer zone for the courier
    • Conduct a visual scan of the area surrounding the vehicle
    • Open the vehicle and load the CIT container

Conclusion: This is the stander Cash in transit procedures for the security industry that carry out the CIT operation. The security staff who involve in the operation should aware of the potential threat and have the plan for dealing.

When you’re in the CIT process, check that your equipment and vehicles are working properly. Make sure You’re not stopping vehicles on the road unless you’ve got a traffic signal. When you move back from the collection point to the car, be more careful.

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