BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart has begun testing body cameras for store associates as part of a pilot program aimed at enhancing worker safety, particularly during the busy holiday shopping season, CNBC reported.
The initiative has been spotted in select U.S. stores, such as Denton, Texas, where associates wear yellow-and-black body cameras, and entry signs notify shoppers of “body-worn cameras in use,” according to the report. Walmart confirmed the program, explaining it is being tested in one market and evaluated for potential expansion.
According to a document called “Providing great customer service while creating a safer environment,” the cameras are intended for employees to use during escalating interactions with customers, CNBC reported. Associates are instructed to activate the devices during such events and log incidents into the company’s compliance system. Cameras are prohibited in employee break areas and restrooms.
David Johnston, vice president of asset protection at the National Retail Federation, said visible cameras, particularly those with live-view screens, can deter conflict by making individuals more aware of their behavior, according to CNBC. TJX Companies, owner of TJ Maxx and Marshalls, recently introduced body cameras for loss prevention associates and reported success in reducing theft and de-escalating tensions.
A person close to the project stated that Walmart’s initiative was focused mainly on employee safety rather than on theft prevention, USA Today reported.
“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,” Walmart said in a statement to USA TODAY. “This is a pilot we are testing in one market, and we will evaluate the results before making any longer-term decisions.”
A photo of the cameras in charging bays reportedly from a Walmart store was posted on a Reddit forum in November, according to the report. The cameras are bright yellow, making them more visible than police bodycams. The photo also shows a poster detailing directions of how to use the camera to record an interaction with a customer.
