MOST OF THE APPROXIMATELY 8,000 BANK BRANCH BUILDINGS IN AUSTRALIA DO NOT HAVE A STAFF COMPLEMENT IN EXCESS OF 8 OR 9 PERSONS. SECURITY ENCOMPASSES THE EDUCATION OF BANK STAFF, BUILDING DESIGN, ANTIROBBERY HARDWARE, AIDS TO APPREHENSION, AND OFFENDER TREATMENT. SINCE THE 1960'S, ARMED ROBBERIES HAVE BECOME MORE PREVALENT. SECURITY HAS IMPROVED BUT ARMED ROBBERS ALSO HAVE IMPROVED THEIR TECHNIQUES. SOME BANK OFFICERS HAVE BEEN KILLED OR INJURED. EIGHT ASPECTS OF BUILDING DESIGN ARE EXAMINED: EXTERNAL CONSTRUCTION AND FACADE, EXTERNAL DOORS, ROOF AND CEILING, INTERNAL DESIGN, THE MANAGER'S ROOM, THE STRONG ROOM, ACCESS TO STAFF AREAS FROM PUBLIC SPACE, AND REAR WINDOWS AND VENTILATION. (DEP)