Walmart employees are now wearing body cameras in some stores

[4th]

Walmart employees are now wearing body cameras in some stores
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/12/17/walmart-employees-wearing-body-cameras.html

Walmart has started giving store-level associates body cameras to wear as part of a pilot program at some of its U.S. locations, CNBC has learned.

It’s not clear how many of Walmart’s stores have the recording devices, but some locations now have signs at entry points warning shoppers that it has “body-worn cameras in-use,” according to witnesses and photos posted online.

In at least one store in Denton, Texas — about 40 miles north of Dallas — an associate checking receipts was seen wearing a yellow-and-black body camera earlier this month, according to a shopper who shared a photo with CNBC.

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[Dennis Donovan]

1. It apparently has an effect on loss prevention:

From the same article:

Earlier this year, the off-price giant said it had started using body cameras in its stores, which include its TJ Maxx, Marshall’s and HomeGoods banners. On a call with analysts after the company reported fiscal first-quarter earnings in May, finance chief John Joseph Klinger said the devices had been effective in reducing shrink, or lost inventory.

“One of the things that we’ve added — we started to do last year, late towards the year, wear body cameras on our [loss prevention] associates,” said Klinger. “And when somebody comes in, it’s sort of — it’s almost like a deescalation where people are less likely to do something when they’re being videotaped. So we definitely feel that that’s playing a role also.”

In a statement, a TJX spokesperson said the loss prevention associates who have body cameras have gone through “thorough training on how to use the cameras effectively in their roles.”

“Video footage is only shared upon request by law enforcement or in response to a subpoena. Body cameras are just one of the many ways that we work to support a safe store environment. This includes a variety of policies, trainings, and procedures,” the spokesperson said. “We hope that these body cameras will help us de-escalate incidents, deter crime, and demonstrate to our Associates and customers that we take safety in our stores seriously.”

[Diamond_Dog]

2. Next up. All retail employees will be off duty policemen.

[LiberalArkie]

3. Probably not. I shopped at a Family Dollar store and watched a young guy and his woman load up

their jacket pockets with soft drinks and candy bars and walk out the doors in front of the clerk. I asked the clerk and she shrugged her shoulders told me that she is not allowed to say or do anything.

[DeepWinter]

7. New gas station in town

has a gate at the entrance. You have to swipe your debit card to enter the gas station. Two Security guys at the enterence make sure you do. Once you're in, there's a good 100+ cameras on the ceiling watching everyone. Everything you take off the shelf, or put back, is logged. AI keeps a ongoing tally of what's on you. And then you simply leave and what you have is charged. I've been in there a dozen times, it's always been accurate. I spoke with on of the emplyees and it's been a big success. No waiting in checkout lines, no customer complaints, zero shoplifting in the three months it's been open.

I guess all those shoplifters have created this future. Congrats.

[JCMach1]

4. Time to wear a baklava to Wally world I guess

Going to be rough in Summer.

Walmart ninjas unite.

[DeepWinter]

5. Don't blame them

Shoplifting and violent customers is the new norm.

[Lincolnite]

6. Its sad but some people can't afford basic necessities

And its not their fault. Until we develop into a classless, currency-less society, shoplifting should not be prosecuted.