The Cairns Post

TARGET STAFF NOW WEARING BODYCAMS

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RETAIL employees across Australia who bear the brunt of threats and abuse from customers have started wearing body cameras.

Six major department stores, including Target, have started trialling the cameras in selected stores.

The staff-worn protection comes after a surge in abusive behaviour towards retailers during the pandemic.

Signage at one Target store highlighte­d how employees would wear the safety gear in an effort “to keep our team and community safe”.

“These cameras will be worn by selected team members and turned on only in the event of an escalating situation where they feel there is a threat to their safety,” the sign says.

“The cameras capture video recordings only and the footage is only accessible by Target leadership and security teams, and where appropriat­e law enforcemen­t agencies.”

National Retail Associatio­n chief executive Dominique Lamb said body cameras were becoming more common.

“More and more, what we’re seeing is aggression towards retail workers … it’s very much about keeping retail workers safe,” she said.

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