Tennessee Walmart Testing Body Cameras On Employees In Some Stores

Your next trip to Walmart may be recorded from a new angle. The company is reportedly testing body-worn cameras on its employees.

Walmart Tests Employee Body Cameras in Pilot Program

Walmart has launched a pilot program equipping some in-store employees with body cameras, according to a company spokesperson. The initiative, still in its early stages, is being tested in one market.

Some are already being worn by employees in the pilot program, multiple outlets reported. The pilot program is aimed at deterring conflict and preventing theft.

It's the same type of body camera widely used by law enforcement. Now, it's expanding to retail settings with other stores like TJ Maxx and Homegoods doing the same.

“While we don’t talk about the specifics of our security measures, we are always looking at new and innovative technology used across the retail industry,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

The company will evaluate the program’s results before deciding on its long-term implementation. When asked whether the decision to test body cameras was driven by concerns over theft or employee safety, the spokesperson declined to comment.

Industry Trend Toward Body-Worn Cameras

Walmart is not alone in exploring body-worn cameras as a security measure. TJ Maxx and other retailers have already rolled out similar technology.

Earlier this year, TJX, the parent company of TJ Maxx, announced that specially-trained loss prevention employees would wear body cameras to deter crime, de-escalate incidents, and emphasize safety. According to TJX, footage from these cameras is only shared with law enforcement upon request or through a subpoena.

David Johnston, Vice President of Asset Protection and Retail Operations for the National Retail Federation, commented on the trend, saying, “Retailers are making every effort to ensure the safety and well-being of their customers, associates, and communities. The use of body cameras is still a newer technology being used in retail, and individual retailers are finding how this technology best works within their environments.”

Expanding Technology to Combat Retail Crime

This pilot program follows other security innovations Walmart has tested. In November, reports emerged of new technology allowing employees to unlock security cases electronically instead of using keys, aimed at combating shoplifting.
Retailers across the country are increasingly turning to advanced technology to address rising retail crime while enhancing workplace safety. As the results of Walmart’s body camera pilot program are evaluated, the industry will watch closely to see whether this approach becomes a broader trend.