Some grocery stores under the ownership of Sobeys Inc. in Toronto are now experimenting with body-worn cameras. The retailer confirmed this initiative following the sighting of bodycams on FreshCo employees at a store situated on Sherbourne and Isabella streets. The purpose of these cameras is to address incidents of harassment, assault, and theft towards employees, as well as to prevent other criminal activities, according to Sobeys spokesperson Caitlin Gray.
However, James Turk, the director of the Centre for Free Expression at Toronto Metropolitan University, expressed concerns, suggesting that the bodycams could have adverse effects. He believes that the presence of bodycams could potentially make employees more vulnerable instead of safer, as thieves might target them to seize the cameras.
Sobeys reported a notable decrease in violence and aggression towards both employees and customers since the introduction of the cameras in selected locations. The retailer clarified that the bodycams only operate when activated by store managers during incidents and are not used for continuous monitoring of employees.
The exact start date of the pilot project has not been disclosed by Sobeys. This initiative aligns with a broader trend, as Loblaw Companies Ltd. also confirmed running a bodycam trial in some of its stores over the past two years.
Privacy experts have raised concerns about the use of body-worn cameras. While the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario does not have jurisdiction over private sector organizations like grocery stores, they expressed worries that the cameras might collect excessive information. The public should be informed about the purpose of the cameras, the retention of footage, and the duration for which it will be stored.
Rui Rodrigues, the executive advisor for loss prevention and risk management at the Retail Council of Canada, supports the implementation of bodycams in retail settings. He emphasized that retailers have experienced an increase in theft and violent incidents, making such security measures essential.
Rodrigues noted that the visibility of bodycams is more effective in deterring criminals compared to traditional CCTV systems. With a rise in shoplifting incidents in Toronto, he believes that the presence of more cameras can act as a deterrent to potential offenders.
Despite concerns raised by Turk regarding the necessity of bodycams over fixed surveillance cameras, Rodrigues believes that bodycams offer a unique perspective in capturing incidents and identifying perpetrators trying to conceal their identity.
Employees who feel uncomfortable wearing bodycams are encouraged to discuss their concerns with their employer. Turk emphasized that individuals have the right to refuse wearing a bodycam if they believe it puts them at risk and can seek support from union representatives or the Ministry of Labour.
