In the context of guidelines set forth by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), discuss the best course of action for pharmacists and citizens to take should they find themselves in the middle of a robbery.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The DEA has set forth the following guidelines as being the best course of action for pharmacists and citizens to take should they find themselves in the middle of a robbery. These recommendations should be conveyed by local law enforcement agencies to the pharmacies within their jurisdiction.

1. Avoid taking any action that may provoke violence. Robbers are usually armed. They are usually in a state of heightened excitement. It is important to remain as calm as possible and to keep other people on the premises as calm as possible.
2. Give the robber what he asks for, but do not offer him more than he requests.
3. Carefully observe the robber for identity characteristics, including clothing, height, weight, race, hair, eyes, nose, scars, tattoos, accent, etc. If there is more than one robber, focus your attention primarily on one. Trying to identify too much may only result in confusion.
4. Watch carefully for any object that the robber touches. Do not disturb or touch any area that the robber has touched. These areas may provide fingerprint identification and this information should be provided to the responding law enforcement officer(s).
5. Focus on the weapon for later description to police.
6. Focus on what is taken, where it is put, and how it is carried.
7. Do not prolong the stay through stalling. The quicker the robber leaves, the less chance for violence to erupt.
8. Remember the method of escape. If the robber enters a vehicle, get a full description, including the license plate number, if possible.
9. Notify the police immediately. If a panic button/central station alarm is present, activate it while the robbery is still in progress, if this can be done safely.
10. While waiting for police, write down as many identifying details as possible. If other people were present, have them do the same, but do not attempt to get a consensus of opinion. Each witness's individual opinion of what happened will be of more value to the police and should not be colored by the observations of the other witnesses.
11. Comply with all directions of the police regarding the crime scene and the compiling of lists of stolen controlled substances.
12. When advised by the police that the crime scene is no longer required to be safeguarded, notify the nearest DEA office.