How Long Does Walmart Keep Security Footage? (All You Need to Know)

Are you wondering how long Walmart keeps its security footage? Discover how long Walmart retains its security footage in this article. Find out how you can access security footage at Walmart.

Walmart is one of the largest retailers in the world. The company sells about 160 million products, ranging from groceries and electronics to household items and clothing. With such a massive scale of operation, ensuring the safety and security of merchandise, employees, and customers is a top priority for Walmart.

As a result, the retail giant has hundreds of cameras in and outside of its 10,593 stores. But how long does Walmart keep security footage? Keep reading to find out how long Walmart keeps security footage and whether you can access security footage at Walmart.

Table Of Contents

How Long Does Walmart Keep Security Footage?

Walmart retains its security footage for a period ranging from approximately six months to 1 year in 2023. However, this depends on several factors, such as:

The location of the store.
Local regulations.
The size of the store.

Smaller Walmart stores may keep the security footage for a slightly shorter period, typically around 30 to 90 days.

Why Does Walmart Have Security Cameras?

Walmart uses security cameras for a variety of reasons. Here are some key reasons why the company has multiple security cameras:

To Prevent Crime

Walmart security cameras act as a powerful deterrent against criminal activities such as:

Theft.
Shoplifting
Vandalism

To Investigate Crimes

Walmart security cameras are there to prevent criminal activities from taking place. However, whenever a crime does occur, these security cameras play a critical role in investigating and resolving the crime. The recorded footage is often used to identify the suspects and gather enough evidence that can lead to the successful prosecution of the criminals.

To Monitor Customers

Security cameras are used to monitor Walmart customers. This allows Walmart to understand how their customers navigate the store and interact with products. Security cameras also allow Walmart to respond quickly to accidents, medical emergencies, or any security threats that may occur.

To Monitor Employees

Walmart security cameras are used to monitor employees as well. By having cameras in the stores, Walmart discourages any temptation that employees may have to engage in unlawful activities within the workplace.

How Long Does Walmart Keep Its Parking Lot Security Footage?

The duration of time Walmart keeps the parking lot security footage varies from store to store. However, most Walmart stores keep the security footage for approximately 30 days.

What Factors Affects The Retention Of Security Footage At Walmart?

The retention period of security footage at Walmart is influenced by several factors. They include:

Walmart’s Internal Policies and Legal Obligations

Walmart, like any large organization, operates under a set of internal policies and legal obligations. These policies govern the retention of security footage to ensure compliance with local laws. Different regions have varying laws and regulations regarding the retention of security footage. So, the duration for which the company retains the footage will vary depending on the region.

Type of Incident Captured

If the incident captured on the security footage is minor, Walmart often keeps the footage for a short period. However, major incidents such as theft or harassment may lead to the security footage being retained for longer durations.

Investigation Requirements

For security footage of all incidents that require investigation, the retention period is usually extended. This allows investigators to gather evidence and analyze the video footage.

Storage Capacity and Technology

In recent years, the advancement in surveillance technology has led to a significant increase in storage capacity for surveillance data. This development has enabled Walmart to retain its security footage for more extended periods.

How Can I Access Security Camera Footage at Walmart?

If you are involved in an incident at Walmart that requires the review of security camera footage, you must be wondering how you can access the CCTV footage. First of all, you need to know that unnecessary access to the recording room is prohibited at Walmart. If you want to see security footage, you must have a valid reason. In case you do, just head over to the Walmart store where the incident took place.

You can also go to the nearest store. You should then speak to the store manager, who will be able to assist you further. However, if you wish to file a police report, you don't have to go to the store. The cops will be able to access the security camera footage on your behalf.

Pro Tip!

Keep note of the date, time, and in-store location of the incident. This information makes it easier to retrieve the video footage.

Does Walmart Security Footage Use Facial Recognition?

In 2019, Walmart confirmed to Business Insider that it uses AI-powered cameras to detect and deter potential shoplifters. "Over the last three years, the company has invested over half a billion dollars in an effort to prevent, reduce and deter crime in our stores and parking lots," Walmart spokesperson LeMia Jenkins said. "

We are continuously investing in people, programs, and technology to keep our stores and communities safe." So far, AI cameras with facial recognition have been implemented in over 1000 stores across the US. In fact, Jerkins said that these stores where facial recognition technology has been deployed have seen a significant reduction in shoplifting incidents.

Does Walmart Monitor Its Security Cameras?

Yes, the company does monitor its security cameras. However, the monitoring is not constant in every Walmart store. This is due to the fact that Walmart uses AI security cameras that can identify potential security threats or unusual activities without the need for constant human monitoring.

In high-crime areas, Walmart is more likely to prioritize active monitoring of its security footage. But in most stores, the surveillance footage is mainly used for investigative purposes.

What Is Walmart's Shoplifting Policy?

According to Fortune, Walmart loses at least $3 billion yearly to theft or 1% of its gross revenue. That's why the retail giant does not take the act of stealing lightly. When Walmart catches you stealing from the store, they will contact the police immediately to report the incident. If you are under the age of 16, Walmart will most likely instruct you to return the item and leave.

Shoplifting may also get you banned from a specific store or even all Walmart stores. But how will Walmart catch you shoplifting, you ask? Well, the company has loss prevention associates who are trained to identify shoplifters. The loss prevention workers are allowed to not only observe potential shoplifters but also to follow and catch them. Here are some key points to further understand Walmart's shoplifting policy:

If trained personnel is unsure if a customer is shoplifting, they should not act.
Only trained personnel can apprehend a potential shoplifter. Untrained workers are not allowed to do that.
In case trained personnel are not available, staff should wait until the shoplifter leaves the store.
At least one witness or member of the management needs to be present at every apprehension.

Summing Up

Walmart is dedicated to maintaining a safe and secure environment for its merchandise, customers, and employees. The company has a modern technology system that uses AI and facial recognition to identify potential security threats and prevent theft-related incidents. Walmart's retention period for its security footage is between six months and 1 year. However, it's important to remember that the period might vary from store to store, depending on factors such as location, store size, and more.