Sobeys Inc., a chain of grocery stores, is currently testing body-worn cameras in some of its Toronto locations. The initiative was confirmed by the retailer following the discovery of bodycams on FreshCo employees at a store on Sherbourne and Isabella streets.
The purpose of these cameras is to address issues such as harassment, assaults on employees, shoplifting, and other criminal activities, according to Caitlin Gray, a spokesperson for Sobeys. However, James Turk, the director of the Centre for Free Expression at Toronto Metropolitan University, expressed concerns that the presence of bodycams could potentially make employees more vulnerable to theft.
Sobeys reported a decrease in violence and aggression towards both employees and customers in stores where the cameras have been implemented. The retailer clarified that the bodycams are only activated by store managers during incidents and are not used for constant monitoring of employees.
Although the official start date of the pilot program has not been disclosed by Sobeys, this move aligns with a broader trend in the industry. Loblaw Companies Ltd. also acknowledged conducting a similar bodycam pilot in some of its stores for the past two years.
While some experts support the use of body-worn cameras in retail environments, privacy concerns have been raised. Both the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada emphasize the importance of informing the public about the use of such surveillance technology and ensuring compliance with privacy laws.
Rui Rodrigues, the executive advisor for loss prevention and risk management at the Retail Council of Canada, advocates for the adoption of bodycams in retail spaces to address increasing incidents of theft and violence. He believes that the visible presence of these cameras acts as a deterrent to potential criminals.
Data from the Toronto police indicates a rise in shoplifting incidents valued at over $5,000, further emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures in retail establishments. Rodrigues suggests that the visibility of bodycams can act as a powerful crime prevention tool.
Regarding concerns about redundancy with fixed surveillance cameras, Rodrigues argues that body-worn cameras offer unique perspectives and can capture crucial details during incidents. However, employees who feel uncomfortable wearing bodycams are encouraged to address their concerns with their employers or seek support from relevant authorities.
