Gun accessibility when counting out money at work

[ibfestus]

It is just a matter of time.

Under these circumstances I believe it is just a matter of time until you have a problem. I ran a recycling center for years. Essentially I handed out cash to neer do wells that would bring in copper, aluminum, etc. for recycling. I had some guys that would bring in pick up loads and I would pay them thousands in cash. At any given time, I would have as much as $10 grand in my pocket. One thing I did I believe helped keep me from being victimized, was to get the word out that I was a good guy and that I loved to shoot things. One day in the back of my shop, I fired 9 rounds from my 1911 into bailed cardboard in front of some of my "customers." From there on I was known as crazy Jim and the word on the street was to leave me alone.

I digress. The one suggestion I have may come as a shock to the business school grads is that you do not HAVE to count down the register as soon as you close the door. The next morning will do just fine! JMHO

 

[shiky]

unfortunately, with most modern businesses, (at least where i work) we have to count the tills to get the deposit total, to enter into the POS system to run daily diagnostics (logging transactions and member info), this takes 3 hours, and must be done at night, since it can't be done in the morning.

 

[oldbillthundercheif]

The free coffee for cops at closing time idea sounds like a winner.

 

[chopz]

"Mopping the floor with a mixture of ammonia and bleach (tiny amounts it is very poisonous to inhale the fumes) will get everybody out."

that's a good way to get a bunch of nice chemical burn in your lungs. don't worry, you won't smell anything because your nasal passages will be burned out pretty quick too. i suggest you not try it.

 

[DMK]

I was thinking about during that 20 minute time-frame where I'm boxed in at a desk facing away from the doorway to the shop

Can you count the money somewhere else other than at the desk? Like perhaps on a counter away from the sightline of the doorway? Best would be where you are behind something, but can see out the doorway over it.

I usually carry IWB under my cooking apron (which I keep tied down around my waist rather than around my neck).

Remove the apron when counting the money? Or is that your only concealment garment? If so, maybe go to the bathroom and change into "street clothes" that allow easier access.

Does the owner even know that you are carrying while at work? If not it may not be such a good idea.

I'm sorry, but don't ask, don't tell. Concealed is concealed. These days employers are only concerned with CYA, avoiding lawsuits and not the security of their employees. If you get shot by some lowlife, you're replaceable. You need you 'C' your own 'A'. As long as you are not breaking any laws, the worst that can happen is you'd be fired if caught. If you are a good employee, they may just slap your wrist and say don't do it again.

However, when the friends of the other employees start bringing other people with them to hang out while I'm back at the desk handling several thousand dollars in cash. I tend to get uneasy, especially when some of them eyeball all the money I have through the doorway.

Talk to your co-workers about that. Mention to them that it may not be a good idea for their own safety to have a bunch of people coming around, seeing the cash after hours.

Be diplomatic about it. Say that you have no problem with their friends (even if you do), but that you are concerned that someone will mention what they saw to someone else who may not be trustworthy. I have the same conversation with my friends about my gun ownership.


If you are robbed, don't try to be a hero! Your sidearm is to protect your life, not someone else's money!

 

[Capt. Charlie]

Mopping the floor with a mixture of ammonia and bleach (tiny amounts it is very poisonous to inhale the fumes) will get everybody out. I do not advise this....

Absolutely, positively do NOT try this!!! Every year, there are recorded fatalities from people doing this! The effect is instant and violent, and only a few minutes exposure is sufficient to kill.

 

[Perldog007]

Good point, I should not have posted that even jokingly - but I have left a Denny's when that was done. Also knew a lady who expired while cleaning with that. She had been doing it for decades but it caught up with her.

Individuals vary in sensivity. It does not take much.

Still I think the OP's best bet is to have the weapon as handy as possible when doing the count, especially given the layout. When I was a bank Guard in D.C. the afternoon saw a lobby closing for counting, putting money in and taking money out of the Vault. Always answered the door with gun in hand during that time, with the support of the less than pro-gun management.

 

[Derius_T]

As I said before, why not discuss it with the owner that you think this is a problem and get all the people out? Any place i managed where the count, credit receipts, POS, ect had to be done at night, once business was done, then I made absolutely sure all customers were gone. Then I did a physical walk-thru and checked all the doors, made sure everything was secure, ect, then and only then did the till or safe come open.

Its literally ASKING to be robbed to get wads of money out in front of people. All one of them has to do is tell one of their buddies, "Hey, this guy always has loads of money, and gets it out when you can see it...."

Not a pretty picture.