Walgreens trials body-worn cameras for store employees

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens is testing body-worn cameras for store employees at select locations as part of its effort to enhance safety in its stores.

Employees participating in the pilot can choose whether to wear a camera during their shifts. Walgreens stated that the initiative aims to help lower tensions in tough situations and prevent disruptive behavior.

“Walgreens is piloting the voluntary use of body-worn cameras in select stores to help promote the safety of both customers and team members,” a company spokesperson said. “Body cameras can help de-escalate conflicts, ultimately contributing to a safer environment for everyone.”

The move comes as retailers nationwide continue to face safety issues in stores, including shoplifting and confrontations involving frontline workers. Companies have been trying new technologies and strategies to protect employees and improve store environments.

The retailer has not identified which stores are participating in the test, but signage has been posted in some locations to inform customers that cameras may be in use.

At the same time, surveillance tools used by retailers are drawing growing scrutiny from policymakers and privacy advocates. In New York City, the City Council recently held a hearing examining how major retailers use biometric technology.

Walgreens stated it has safeguards in place to protect customer privacy and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The company did not specify how video footage from the cameras would be stored or when it might be reviewed.

Walgreens has not announced if the body-camera pilot might be rolled out beyond the initial trial.

🛒 Walgreens is piloting body-worn cameras for some of its workers in New York City.

The pharmacy chain has dozens of stores in the five boroughs, and it’s unclear which locations will have employees testing out the cameras.

Outside a Walgreens in Downtown Brooklyn on… pic.twitter.com/buUTxVYUvW

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