Bank customers OK with metal detector

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Three West Michigan 5/3 Bank branches installed a metal detector security system last October, and though it may slow down entry into each branch, customers don't seem to mind.

24 Hour News 8 went to one of those bank branches at Eastern and Alger SE in Grand Rapids. A clear "no guns" sign is on the door, along with instructions on how to go through the security system one customer at a time.

The metal detector is set for gun-sized or bigger items. Small metal items, such as buttons, zippers or cell phones, didn't set off the detector when 24 Hour News 8 went through.

To enter the bank, customers wait for a green light on the outside. The metal detector is located between the outside door and the inner door. If the metal detector finds nothing objectionable, another green light comes on and the customer enters the bank past bullet-proof glass.

If it didn't unlock, bank employees would ask the customer to put all metal items in a tray and try it again.

"I take my cell phone, my keys, so it's really not a big bother," customer Maverick Beeks said. "I mean, it can be sometimes when there's a line, but other than that, if it makes them feel safe, I'm all for it."

Another customer, Lois VanWienen, echoed that. "I feel very secure when I come here. It's for the safety of everyone, I think."

The extra security procedures don't seem to have turned any customers away, officials said.

"Our corporate offices in Cincinatti review all of our banks for safety for our customers and our employees.  They take into account several factors in making that decision including whether or not there have been any past incidents at that location," said Elizabeth Topliffe, the Vice President of Public Relations in Grand Rapids . "We do want our customers to feel safe.  We want our employees to feel safe and we have had an increase overall in our customer experience scores in those branches."

Terry Tatman has been banking at this branch for 30 years and said it felt a bit unusual at first. But it doesn't bother him now.

"No, not at all.  When I see the security it provides, that's a good thing."