Walmart Testing Body Cameras for Store Employees: Report
Walmart is reportedly testing body cameras for store employees to enhance safety and security. In a pilot program, select Walmart stores have equipped employees with body cameras to wear while on duty. Signs at the store entrances warn shoppers about the presence of “body-worn cameras in-use,” as reported by CNBC.
While some retailers have used body cameras to deter shoplifting, Walmart is focusing on employee safety with this technology. CNBC also mentioned that an employee at a Walmart store in Denton, Texas, has been spotted wearing one of these cameras. According to a company document, employees are instructed to record any escalating customer interactions and avoid using the devices in employee-only areas like break rooms and bathrooms.
After recording incidents, employees are required to log them into an ethics and compliance app with the help of a coworker. A Walmart spokesperson confirmed the pilot program to CNBC but did not provide specific details about the technology. The spokesperson stated that they are always exploring new and innovative technologies in the retail industry and will evaluate the results of the pilot before making any long-term decisions.
It’s worth noting that off-price retailer The TJX Companies announced in June 2024 that employees at select locations of TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Home Goods have also been wearing body cameras since late 2023. This initiative aims to reduce in-store theft, highlighting a trend in the retail industry towards using technology to enhance security and safety measures.
