Why Walmart Employees in Texas Might Start Wearing Body Cameras

With the holiday season upon us, everyone is experiencing the stress that comes with it. People shop more around this time of year, and with so many customers, there are more opportunities for shoplifters to target stores. All these customers can distract store employees, making them prime targets for shoplifters.

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Walmart is stepping up its security game with a new body camera pilot program. The pilot program will have Walmart employees wearing body cameras during their work shifts. The big retailer said they are in the testing stage of the program and will review the results before deciding to place it in all stores.

Even though other retailers are using body cams to help with store theft, Walmart said it is focusing on the safety of its employees. Rolling out this program during the holiday shopping season was a major key. Retail employees work long hours and have to deal with customers who are more aggravated than usual.

A shopper at a Walmart in Denton, TX confirmed that an employee checking receipts at the door was wearing a yellow-and-black body camera earlier this month. Walmart did not confirm which specific locations have the body camera pilot program.

Walmart isn't the first retail store to use body cameras. TJX, HomeGoods, and Marshalls already use them in their stores.

Being a retail worker, especially during the holidays, can be tough. The body camera pilot program is being placed to see if it can help de-escalate an irate customer by simply having the camera present. Hopefully, this will make a better shopping experience for both customers and employees.