The Loblaw food company has expanded its body-worn camera pilot program to a grocery store in Surrey, to amplify efforts to address "a notable rise in violent incidents" at retail stores across Canada.
Feb. 12 was the launch date for body cams at the Real Canadian Superstore on 104 Avenue in Guildford.
Not all of Loblaw’s B.C. stores will have the cameras, to be worn by "only trained asset protection representatives, third-party security, store management and additional team members where applicable," according to a company spokesperson
It's not about preventing shoplifting, the rep insists.
Instead, the goal is "to help de-escalate tense situations and enhance safety for customers and colleagues (and) participation in this pilot is voluntary." the spokesperson wrote in an email to the Now-Leader.
The Axon-made cameras will be activated "only when colleagues are faced with a situation where there is a risk of escalation and fear for one’s safety and/or the safety of others."
The company's bodycam pilot program has been introduced to stores in B.C., Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
“The safety of our customers, colleagues, and stores remains our priority,” said Dean Henrico, a boss of Loblaw's asset protection division. “Our expansion to Surrey highlights our ongoing commitment to evaluate measures that help create a safer shopping environment for all.”
In Newton Town Centre, four of the company's 1,300 security guards in B.C. are employed to daily patrol the business district in teams of two, as part of a safety program launched nine years ago by the BIA.
