As crime and shoplifting incidents rise in retail stores, Walmart employees in the United States have started using body cameras.

The retail giant, with a presence in numerous countries, reported significant revenue figures for fiscal 2024. According to Statista, Walmart International’s division generated approximately $114.6 billion in net sales for the year ending January 31, 2024.

Walmart’s New Initiative with Its Employees

According to information shared by a source familiar with the initiative, Walmart has recently launched a pilot program involving several stores in the Dallas, Texas, area to address confrontations with unruly customers.

“While we don’t discuss the specifics of our security measures, we are always exploring new and innovative technology used in the retail industry,” a Walmart spokesperson said in a statement. “This is a pilot we are testing in one market, and we will evaluate the results before making long-term decisions.”

A CNBC report revealed that the devices were seen in a Denton, Texas, store, where employees used body cameras while checking customer receipts. However, Walmart declined to disclose how many stores are participating in the program or share any findings from the pilot, which has surprised many.

Body Cameras in Retail Security Strategies

This move comes as other retailers have also begun using body cameras to prevent theft and violent incidents, which have surged in recent years. These incidents have impacted the retail industry broadly, from grocery stores to department stores and luxury boutiques.

As part of broader security measures, expensive and high-demand items like toothpaste, laundry detergent, and toiletries have increasingly been locked up, requiring assistance from store employees.

According to CNBC, citing an online forum for Walmart employees and customers, staff were instructed on proper camera usage. Employees are advised to record interactions escalating with customers and remove the cameras in break rooms and restrooms.

Additionally, a Walmart document titled “Serving Customers While Creating a Safer Environment” directs employees to log incidents into the company’s “Ethics and Compliance” app.

Aggressive Customer Incidents and Legislative Responses

This year, retailers have faced challenges in managing aggressive customers, some of whom may suffer from mental health issues or are attempting theft. In response, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed the Retail Worker Safety Act, requiring retailers with 50 or more employees to install panic buttons to alert law enforcement immediately. These panic buttons will become mandatory starting January 2027.

This is the first legislation of its kind in the U.S., but Walmart opposed it, arguing it could lead to false alarms.

Meanwhile, other retail experts have emphasized the effectiveness of body cameras in deterring misconduct. “Many of these body cameras have reverse-view monitors, so… there’s a small video screen where you can see yourself on the camera,” said David Johnston, Vice President of Asset Protection for the National Retail Federation, in comments to the media.

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