Walmart Tests Body Cameras for Staff Amid Safety Concerns

Estimated read time 4 min read

Walmart has begun testing body-worn cameras for store-level associates as part of a pilot program at select U.S. locations. Signs have appeared at store entrances, warning customers of the new recording devices, while photos shared online confirm their presence. Although Walmart frames the initiative as a worker safety measure, the rollout has sparked debates among employees, labor advocates, and industry experts about its effectiveness and broader implications.

Why Walmart is Testing Body Cameras

Amid growing concerns over harassment and confrontational customer interactions, Walmart is exploring new ways to protect its associates. A spokesperson for the retail giant told CNBC, “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 company emphasizes that this pilot program focuses on enhancing worker safety rather than preventing theft. Employees are instructed to activate the body cameras when an interaction with a customer begins to escalate. Afterward, incidents are to be logged using Walmart’s ethics and compliance app, following protocols laid out in internal training documents.

The Holiday Stress Factor: Protecting Retail Workers

The timing of the pilot coincides with the holiday shopping season, a period notorious for increased stress among both employees and customers. Stuart Appelbaum, president of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, noted the heightened tension workers face during this time, saying, “There’s too much harassment that goes on throughout the year, but especially during the holiday season … Everyone is stressed out.”

Retail workers often bear the brunt of customer frustrations when items are unavailable or wait times increase. Walmart’s use of body cameras could serve as a deterrent, but labor advocates argue that it’s only part of the solution.

Do Body Cameras Really Deescalate Conflict?

The effectiveness of body cameras in retail settings remains a topic of debate. David Johnston, vice president of asset protection for the National Retail Federation, pointed out that body cameras may alter behavior when people know they’re being recorded. He explained, “Many of these body-worn cameras have reverse view monitors … you see yourself on camera, and that’s when you’re likely to change your behavior.”

However, critics, including labor advocates, believe body cameras alone won’t solve the root issues. Bianca Agustin, co-executive director of United for Respect, expressed skepticism, stating, “There’s a claim that the body cams are going to promote de-escalation just organically. We don’t think that’s true.” Agustin emphasized the need for more robust de-escalation training and proper staffing, arguing cameras alone may escalate tensions rather than reduce them.

Lessons from Other Retailers: Can Cameras Work?

Walmart is not alone in exploring body camera technology. Companies like TJX, which owns TJ Maxx and Marshall’s, have already tested similar devices. TJX CFO John Joseph Klinger reported positive results, saying the cameras “play a role” in reducing inventory shrink and deescalating tense situations.

Retail experts like Mark Cohen, former CEO of Sears Canada, noted that Walmart’s extensive workforce likely faces significant safety concerns, making body cameras a reasonable test. Cohen explained, “Walmart’s probably got a sales force that is very unhappy about what they’re exposed to … [this program] is a test to see whether it has any beneficial effects.”

What Workers Want: Cameras vs. Training

Despite the potential benefits, some retail workers remain unconvinced that body cameras will make them feel safer. One former mall employee shared their experience, saying that during hostile confrontations, “Even with a camera facing them, I don’t think they would care in the moment.”

Labor advocates argue that training, not surveillance, is the key to de-escalation. Appelbaum stressed the importance of proper preparation: “Workers need training on deescalation … The body camera doesn’t intervene.” Panic buttons, better staffing, and enhanced training programs are among the solutions labor groups continue to push for.

Balancing Safety and Surveillance

Walmart’s pilot program underscores the growing focus on safety within retail spaces, but it also raises questions about surveillance and employee privacy. While body cameras could serve as a deterrent, their long-term impact on worker safety and customer behavior remains uncertain.

With other retailers already reporting mixed success, Walmart’s test may offer valuable insights into the role of technology in creating safer environments for frontline workers. However, for employees, body cameras are only one part of the equation. Training, staffing, and systemic solutions must complement technological tools to address the complex challenges of retail safety.

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