Shopping these days is a hazard due to the rash of thefts, shoplifting, and other crimes. That’s why it’s important to know where there are security cameras.
It’s the best way to evaluate whether a place is safe enough to shop at or not, especially at nationwide chains like Goodwill.
So, does Goodwill have security cameras? Yes, Goodwill have security cameras. Actually, they have some form of surveillance at every single location throughout North America. We’ll tell you all you need to know about Goodwill’s security cameras and the surveillance systems they have in place.
Not only do this help prevent shoplifting but they also aid many other procedures and protocols.
About Goodwill’s Security Cameras
Unlike most retail establishments, Goodwill clearly publishes their privacy policy for what they do in-store and online. This is because they have had a commitment to customer security and safety since their inception in 1902. It’s actually quite easy to find their surveillance policy through their Canadian-based corporate website.
In it, they outright tell customers they use security cameras and video surveillance at every Goodwill location. They only put them in reasonably strategic places inside and outside of the store.
There are also cameras in parking lots, garbage areas, and the donation drive-thru along with notices on the premises informing visitors of their use.
Policy Stipulations & Explanations
When you enter the property, you consent to these video recordings. Additionally, you give permission to Goodwill Industries to gather other personal information obtained by surveillance.
They state that they only use this information for the purposes of safety and security in how it relates to the protection of everyone inside and outside the building.
They also describe how it helps deter various types of criminal activity and keeps an eye on Goodwill’s assets. They offer protection to donations, starting at the donation processing area to sale in-store.
There are cameras at each cash register, any leased property on the premises, and throughout the sales floor. Their security team at each location monitors things like:
- Aggressive behavior
- Theft and shoplifting
- Graffiti and acts of vandalism
- Destruction of property (windows, kiosks, vehicles and etc)
- Conduct of employees and other third parties
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Where They Don’t Have Cameras
Goodwill is emphatic about not having any cameras in private areas like restrooms, employee break rooms, and dressing rooms.
Even though this particular policy falls in accordance with Canadian laws, they employ them throughout the United States as well. Also, there is no sound. It’s just a video.
Some Privacy Concerns
You can see this for yourself by taking a gander through the store. However, a recent privacy concern that went semi-viral has the company reconsidering the placement of cameras.
At one location in Salem, Virginia, a person using the dressing room noticed a ceiling camera in plain view.
If the customer could see the camera while changing, then how is the camera not looking into the dressing room? The customer posted their experience about it on Facebook, which drew great public attention.
Kelly Sandridge, Goodwill’s Vice President of External Affairs, assures us that the camera’s angle was never in view of the dressing room. In lieu of this, they are considering using stems rather than ceiling installations to make them less visible.
While it’s true they immediately removed the one in Salem, it’s unclear whether they inspected all of their locations.
Goodwill is very serious about protecting the privacy of their customers and takes deliberate steps to correct any mishaps immediately. They welcome customer communication should any concerns like this arise.
Employee Training & Expectations
Regardless, their video camera and surveillance policy is very direct and clear to understand. They promise to uphold all laws in accordance with and regard to video surveillance.
This includes adequate employee training about camera usage with persistent awareness of the system actively in place.
The only people allowed to see, use and/or distribute video obtained by surveillance are those employees officially authorized for it (security and management), law enforcement, attorneys, and other parties approved by Goodwill.
Authorized Staff Regulations
Employees granted such authority receive extensive training and orientation along with an explicit statement of their obligations, the surveillance policy, and other procedures. The employees must sign this as an act of acknowledgement.
Some stipulations include things such as how the surveillance staff has to log every request for footage from third parties like attorneys, police and etc.
This includes the date, time, recipient, what footage they supplied, and why they gave it. Also, they cannot just give the footage to anyone who asks for it.
Also, when these employees are actively viewing footage on a monitor, it has to be out of sight from everyone else.
Other than that, they destroy all recorded information unless they archive it for a specific use, like a court case. How often or when they do this varies by location.
Disciplinary Action
In the event an employee breaches this contract, irrespective of intention, they will be subject to discipline and termination. What happens depends on the severity of the offense and the way in which they mishandled the footage.
So, for example, if an authorized employee forgets to log distributed footage, they could lose their job and/or face criminal charges.
At the very least, they will receive a mark on their record for it. Goodwill does not mess around when it comes to infractions from their employees in this regard.
Other Surveillance Policies
There are a few other surveillance policies to note as well. For instance, if a video surveillance provider fails to comply with these terms, Goodwill Industries will interpret it as a breach of contract. Naturally, this will immediately terminate the contract and follow with legal action.
You can see an example of such a partnership with Goodwilll’s use of SoLink at their stores throughout central and northern Arizona. But, this isn’t a common practice.
Generally, they have their own cameras in the store and are monitored by authorized employees.
If the average customer wants to view footage of the video in which they appear, Goodwill is very transparent about how to obtain it.
You simply contact the security team at the location you were at and tell them why you want the footage. You can do this in writing, through the contact form online, or via phone call.
Theft & Crime Prevention
Goodwill, like many retailers around the nation, have a serious problem with theft at their stores. So, they have several other measures in place to prevent it besides video surveillance.
They have a widespread contract with ADS security systems that have sensors at the cash register and throughout the store.
With it, they’ve been able to improve customer service, coach employees on distraction reduction, reduce the occurrence of counterfeit money and catch shoplifters in the act.
At some locations, like in Savannah, Georgia, ADS is both their surveillance and security.
Conclusion
In closing, yes, Goodwill has security cameras at every location throughout North America. Most of the time, they’re in operation by authorized personnel.
However, some of their stores have a contracted partnership with a surveillance company, like SoLink and ADS. They train employees very well about their surveillance systems too.
Goodwill assures us that they stay in accordance with all local and federal laws to ensure the safety and protection of staff and customers.
This includes ensuring privacy concerns and addressing any problems right when they arise. So, in this modern climate of rampant theft, Goodwill is reasonably safe enough for shopping.