Due to the size of Walmart stores and the number of products they sell, security cameras are littered throughout Walmart stores and even at the self-checkouts!
As of 2022, Walmart has hundreds of cameras in and outside of their stores to deter theft, keep an eye on their employees, and keep track of any incidents that may happen in-store against customers.
So whether you are an employee, customer, or just for curiosity’s sake, you might be wondering how long Walmart keeps security footage. Here is what I discovered!
Walmart keeps security CCTV footage for an average of 6 months to 1 year in 2022, though this is dependent on the size and location of the store. In smaller Walmart stores, the retention period of security footage may be between 30 and 90 days.
To find out how to view security footage at Walmart, keep reading!
Walmart’s parking lot security CCTV footage retention differs from store to store, but most Walmart stores will keep the footage for an average of 30 days.
To request security camera footage at Walmart, you must have a valid reason, such as believing you have been a victim of theft or in-store violence.
If this is the case, it can be worthwhile to keep note of the time, date, and in-store location of the incident to ease the navigation of the security footage.
Once you have this information, you can visit the Walmart store where the incident happened and speak to a Walmart store manager who will be able to assist you.
Alternatively, should you wish to file a police report, the police will be able to access the security footage on your behalf.
Yes, as of 2020, Walmart has confirmed that it is working with facial recognition technology companies to spot thieves in real-time and also track their movements in-store.
A representative for Walmart confirmed to Business Insider that AI cameras with facial recognition have been implemented in 1000 Walmart stores across the United States.
Key Takeaways
Does Walmart Monitor Its Security Cameras?
Yes, Walmart does monitor its security cameras but not constantly. Recently, Walmart has invested in AI security cameras that can alert staff to inconsistencies or issues without the need for constant monitoring.
In areas of high crime, security footage is more likely to be consistently monitored but for most states, Walmart uses its security cameras as a tool to support potential accusations and police investigations, rather than for instant theft prevention.
What Is Walmart’s Theft Policy?
Walmart, like most big chain stores, takes theft very seriously. Walmart has CCTV and personnel in place that are trained to quickly identify when a theft is taking place.
The key points within Walmart’s theft policy are:
- Staff should not act if they are not sure whether someone is shoplifting.
- Untrained staff cannot apprehend potential shoplifters, only the primary trained personnel.
- One witness or member of staff management should be present at the apprehension point.
- If trained personnel are not available, staff should only act once the shoplifter has left the store.
Walmart can contact the police and potentially locate the address of the shoplifter depending on store security cameras and personal data.
Alternatively, a shoplifter might also find themselves banned from individual Walmart stores or across state–wide Walmart stores.
For more information, you can also see our other guides on if Walmart builds cases on shoplifters, how Walmart tracks shoplifting, the most stolen products from Walmart, and whether or not Walmart can check your receipt when exiting a store.
Conclusion
Walmart has an updated and modern technology system that incorporates the use of AI and facial recognition into its security footage system.
Walmart’s retention period for most in-store security footage is, on average, between 6 months to 1 year, though this does vary from store to store.
If you wish to obtain or view any Walmart security footage, you must either call the individual Walmart store or ask for the store manager at the help service desk.
It is down to the discretion of the store manager on the day whether you will be able to physically view the security footage, though, for most potential criminal or harmful incidents, Walmart will be more than willing to co-operate.