Dye Pack Factoids 

Spectrum Management, L.L.C. during the past few years has worked with several subject matter experts to ascertain as much information as possible regarding the risks and rewards of dye pack usage.   To that end, we have posted the following unbiased analytical reports and studies regarding this stolen cash recovery methodology:  

  1. Raptor International Study 
  2. Chemir Analytical Services Investigative Analysis
  3. Toxicology Report by Teri Leonardo, PhD
  4. Heritage Environmental Services (a certified hazardous waste disposal facility operator) 

In addition, several years ago Spectrum Security SystemsSM (S3), a Spectrum Management affiliate operating in Puerto Rico, began limited distribution of dye packs to test the efficacy of their use.  S3 has now removed almost all of them, but over the course of time learned several important lessons about dye packs:

  1. Their efficacy as a means for recovering cash stolen in a robbery is questionable.  A study conducted by Raptor International confirms S3’s own experience.
  2. Meeting the training requirements established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard is difficult due to hign teller turnover rates.
  3. Maintaining Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) in a location that is easily accessible by branch staff and emergency responders poses significant problems.
  4. When customers are located in an area where tracking devices can not be supported, dye packs remain a better option than doing nothing; nevertheless, disposing of them when they become unwanted or unnecessary can be expensive.

Dye packs contain substances that are considered dangerous (tear gas and dyes) and must be handled with care by trained bank employees, and disposed of by trained technicians at a certified hazardous waste facility.  The only dye pack supplier in the U.S., began offering cash tracking devices as an alternative teller drawer security product in 2005.  This suggests they too recognize the danger, inconvenience and security limitations of dye packs. 

You may be interested in taking a self administered Dye Pack survey by logging on to the Para-Metrics Survey Site  It will lead you through a series of thoughtful issues every dye pack user should consider.