News

Increased call for safety device mandate in wake of Boston ATM slaying

July 31, 2013

Some Massachusetts legislators and ATM safety advocates are pushing to mandate safety devices at bank ATMs in the wake of the murder of a 24-year-old woman who police believe was driven to a series of ATMs to withdraw money before she was killed, according to The Boston Globe.

According to the paper, some version of an ATM safety bill has been stalled in the state legislature since just before the turn of the century.

Critics suggest mandating emergency phones or 9-1-1 panic buttons at bank ATMs, but the Massachusetts Bankers Association and banks say such legislation would not be effective and could put victims in even more danger if their assailant saw them pushing a panic button or picking up a phone.

Learn more about ATM regulatory issues.