Sobeys Inc., a grocery store chain, has initiated a trial of body-worn cameras at some of its Toronto locations. This decision came after the cameras were observed on FreshCo employees at a store situated at Sherbourne and Isabella streets. The purpose of deploying these cameras is to address incidents of harassment, assaults on employees, deter shoplifting, and prevent other criminal activities, as stated by Sobeys spokesperson Caitlin Gray.
However, James Turk, the director of the Centre for Free Expression at Toronto Metropolitan University, expressed concerns that the cameras could potentially make employees more vulnerable instead of enhancing their safety. He suggested that thieves might target employees wearing bodycams, posing a risk.
Sobeys reported a noticeable decrease in violence and aggression towards both employees and customers since the introduction of the cameras at selected locations. Gray clarified that the bodycams only record when activated by store managers during incidents and are not utilized for continuous monitoring of employees.
While the exact commencement date of the trial has not been disclosed by Sobeys, the move aligns with a broader trend within the retail industry, with Loblaw Companies Ltd. also confirming its own bodycam pilot in some stores over the past two years.
Privacy experts have raised concerns regarding the use of body-worn cameras in retail settings. While the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario does not oversee private sector organizations like grocery stores, it emphasized the importance of informing the public about the use of such cameras and the handling of recorded footage.
Rui Rodrigues, the executive advisor for loss prevention and risk management at the Retail Council of Canada (RCC), supports the implementation of bodycams in retail spaces due to the rise in thefts and violent incidents. He highlighted that the visibility of bodycams acts as a deterrence and can help mitigate criminal activities.
Rodrigues emphasized the deterrence factor of body-worn cameras, citing a notable increase in shoplifting incidents valued over $5,000 in recent years. He underscored the importance of the public’s awareness of the presence of such cameras as a preventive measure against opportunistic criminals.
While Turk argued that fixed surveillance cameras could serve a similar purpose as bodycams, Rodrigues noted that bodycams offer a different perspective and may better capture crucial details during incidents, including attempts by criminals to conceal their identities.
Employees who feel uncomfortable or unsafe wearing body cameras have the right to refuse and should address their concerns with their employer, union representatives, or the Ministry of Labour for support and guidance.