Some grocery stores under the ownership of Sobeys Inc. in Toronto have initiated trials with body-worn cameras. The company acknowledged its test run of the project after the cameras were spotted on FreshCo staff at a store situated at Sherbourne and Isabella streets. The primary purpose of these cameras is to address incidents of harassment, assaults towards employees, and to deter theft and other criminal activities, as stated by Sobeys representative Caitlin Gray.
However, James Turk, the director of the Centre for Free Expression at Toronto Metropolitan University, expressed concerns that the body-worn cameras may have unintended consequences. Turk believes that employees could become more susceptible to harm rather than being safer, as potential thieves might target them to seize the bodycams.
Sobeys reported a noticeable decline in violence and aggression towards both employees and customers after implementing the cameras in selected stores, according to Gray. The retailer clarified that the bodycams solely record when activated by store managers during incidents and are not utilized for continuous monitoring of employees.
While Sobeys has not disclosed the official launch date of the pilot program, the use of bodycams aligns with a broader industry trend, with Loblaw Companies Ltd. also confirming their ongoing bodycam trial in some stores for the past two years. Despite this, Turk remains adamant that the cameras expose employees to unnecessary risks and suggests using fixed surveillance cameras placed strategically instead.
Experts emphasize the importance of informing customers about the use of bodycams. Privacy concerns have been raised by the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario regarding the potential collection of excessive information by body-worn cameras. Transparency regarding the use and retention of footage is essential, as highlighted by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.
Sobeys assured that stores participating in the pilot program comply with relevant privacy laws, including the display of appropriate signage. On the other hand, Rui Rodrigues, the executive advisor for loss prevention and risk management at the Retail Council of Canada, supports the adoption of bodycams in retail spaces due to the rising incidents of theft and violence.
Rodrigues believes that the visibility of body-worn cameras surpasses that of traditional CCTV systems and serves as a deterrent to criminals. The increase in shoplifting incidents valued over $5,000 in Toronto, as per police data, reinforces the importance of surveillance measures in retail environments. Rodrigues underscores the significance of making potential offenders aware of the presence of cameras as a preventive measure.
In response to Turk’s skepticism about the necessity of bodycams, Rodrigues argues that they offer a unique perspective during incidents and facilitate the identification of individuals attempting to conceal their identities. Nevertheless, Turk advises employees who feel unsafe wearing bodycams to communicate their concerns to their employer and seek guidance from union representatives or the Ministry of Labour.