Watch Out for Walmart Employees Wearing Bodycams in Michigan

Attention Michigan shoppers: according to CBS News, your friendly Walmart greeter might soon be wearing a body camera. Yup, the retail giant is testing body cameras on employees, citing "worker safety," though many Michiganders may see this as another step closer to living in a dystopian reality show.

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The move follows a disturbing trend of violent incidents at Walmart locations, including the tragic 2019 Walmart shooting in El Paso, Texas, and over 200 reports of violence nationwide in 2023 alone.

What Body Cams on Michigan Walmart Employees May Mean to Shoppers

Walmart assures that the cameras aren't about busting shoplifters. According to a CNBC report, they'll be used as a countermeasure to the increasing hostility employees face on the job.

So, what does this mean for Michigan? Well, for one, we may notice employees at the door with recording devices strapped to their chests, looking part cashier and part RoboCop. Walmart promises the footage is for safety purposes and won't be running live on YouTube anytime soon.

Walmart Employees Mixed on Becoming Human Tripod

As you might imagine, employee reactions are mixed. Some feel it could help de-escalate confrontations, while others worry it's just another means of surveillance. Critics argue that cameras can't replace proper training or the presence of actual security personnel. There are also privacy concerns. After all, who wants their bad hair day and stained pajamas immortalized in Walmart's security archives?

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If the pilot program is successful, Michigan Walmarts could roll out body cameras statewide. For now, just remember that the next time you're at the checkout line in your PJ pants, your "I'm just running in for milk" look might be captured on body cam footage. Smile, and welcome to Walmart Vision.