Are body-worn cameras the antidote to surging retail violence?
The pandemic years not only brought health concerns but also heightened violence against retail workers. In 2021, the UK government initiated an inquiry into the violence faced by retail workers, and by 2023, the British Retail Consortium’s Crime Survey revealed a near doubling of violence from pre-pandemic levels.
Major retailers such as Boots, Aldi, and Tesco were among the early adopters of bodyworn cameras (BWCs) for staff, recognising their potential not just as a response to the current situation but as a long-term solution to abuse against staff. While initially mostly deployed to security staff, the cameras are now also increasingly being worn by retail workers as well.
Is this move the remedy that the retail industry needs, or is it merely a plaster on a deeper wound? Balancing the scales, we must ask if the potential benefits of BWCs outweigh the challenges and resources they demand.
Why do retailers use BWCs?
BWCs offer undeniable benefits:
Deterrence of crime: the threat of evidence capture can significantly deter potential thieves.
Protection of staff: a significant 72% of staff feel safer with BWCs, with 58% experiencing an overall sense of security at their workplace.
Evidential support: BWCs capture real-time incidents, serving as indisputable evidence during disputes.
However, the mass adoption of these cameras also raises challenges. Implementing BWCs means:
Management overload: sifting through hours of footage can be daunting.
Data compliance: retailers must navigate GDPR complexities, safeguarding personal data within the captured footage.
Employee and customer comfort: continuous surveillance might not sit well with everyone. Additionally, the onboarding process for staff adds another layer of operational challenges.
Technical glitches: Ensuring BWCs capture the right moments can be tricky. There can also be inconsistencies in how the cameras are used, i.e. when they are turned on and off.
How can these challenges be addressed?
Despite these challenges, the British Safety Council's insights show that 81% of retail staff feel BWCs boost their safety, 42% believe they decrease incidents, and an overwhelming 72% feel more secure wearing them.
While completely eradicating crime might be a tall order, there is clear efficacy of BWCs in reducing criminal activities.
If retailers can effectively address challenges, BWCs could evolve into an indispensable tool that fosters a safer retail environment. To optimise BWC adoption, retailers should:
Evaluate needs: no two retail environments are identical. Retailers must decide if BWCs align with their unique setting.
Stay updated: keeping abreast with guidelines, like the ICO’s Guidance on video surveillance and the 2021 draft update from the Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner, is vital.
Engage stakeholders: open conversations with staff, customers, and governing bodies to ensure smooth transitions.
Implement privacy measures: tools like video redaction can help handle DSARs and compliance effectively.
While BWCs offer a potential solution to the rising menace of retail violence, they aren’t without challenges. As the debate rages on about their effectiveness versus invasiveness, one thing is certain: the safety and well-being of retail workers should always be the priority.
Retailers must continually reassess their strategies and ensure they are both effective and respectful of personal rights.