Loblaw Companies Limited has initiated a pilot program in Calgary, equipping employees with state-of-the-art body-worn cameras to enhance safety measures.
The move comes in response to a dramatic surge in violent encounters at retail locations across the country, according to the company.
Calgary Stores See Enhanced Employee Safety Measures
The pilot program is currently operational at two Calgary locations: the Real Canadian Superstore in the East Village and the adjacent Shoppers Drug Mart. Employees at these sites are now equipped with Axon Body Workforce cameras.
Loblaw’s decision to implement the pilot program is significant given the company’s expansive presence in Canadian retail. Operating under 22 regional and market-segment banners, including the well-known Loblaws supermarkets, the company’s reach extends beyond groceries. The company has a workforce of approximately 136,000 full-time and part-time employees across its various brands, including Shoppers Drug Mart, No Frills, and Joe Fresh. If successful, the body cam employee safety initiative could be rolled out across Loblaw’s extensive network of stores, impacting tens of thousands of workers.
Axon’s Advanced Technology
Axon Enterprise, the company behind the body cameras being used in Loblaw’s pilot program, is a global leader in connected public safety technologies. Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Axon has a long history of developing advanced solutions for law enforcement and, more recently, expanding into the private sector.
The Axon Body Workforce cameras being deployed in Loblaw stores are part of Axon’s latest generation of body-worn cameras. The devices offer high-definition video recording, wide-angle lenses for a broader field of view, and low-light recording capabilities. And their functionality extends beyond simple video capture.
One of the key features of Axon’s technology is its ability to provide real-time situational awareness. The cameras can livestream footage to a command centre, allowing for immediate response to developing situations. The feature could prove crucial in a retail environment, where rapid response to potential threats is essential.
Moreover, Axon’s cameras are equipped with advanced audio recording capabilities, capturing clear sound even in noisy environments. This can be particularly useful in accurately documenting verbal interactions, which often precede physical confrontations.
Rising Retail Violence: The Catalyst for Technological Solutions
The decision to implement body cameras is not without precedent. A National Retail Federation (NRF) survey revealed a disturbing trend: 67% of retailers reported an increase in aggression and violence in 2023 compared to the previous year.
The impact of this rising violence extends beyond immediate safety concerns. The NRF survey found that in 2023, over 45% of retailers adjusted specific store operating hours. Nearly 30% reduced or altered in-store product selections, while 28% completely closed store locations due to safety concerns.
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If Loblaws have an issue with employee harm they should hire security and deal with it!
This surveillance is an infringement on absolutely everyone’s privacy-both visual and verbal.
fine with me, I don’t mind, CJ
I have nothing to fear personally!