Walmart's Security Footage Retention Policy (2024)

Walmart's Security Footage Retention Policy (1)

Walmart is a multinational retail and grocery store corporation headquartered in the United States. It is also the world’s largest private employer, with 2.2 million employees. Let’s know about Walmart’s Security Footage Retention Policy.

Security cameras are strewn throughout Walmart shops, even at self-checkouts, because of the size of the stores and the number of items they sell.

Walmart has hundreds of cameras in and outside of its shops as of 2022 to combat theft, keep a watch on their personnel, and keep track of any events involving consumers that may occur in-store.

So, whether you’re a Walmart employee, a customer, or simply curious, you might be wondering how long the company stores surveillance video. Here’s what I found out!

In 2022, how long will Walmart keep security footage?

In 2022, Walmart will preserve security CCTV video for an average of six months to one year, depending on the size and location of the shop. The retention time for surveillance video at smaller Walmart shops can range from 30 to 90 days.

Continue reading to learn how to see surveillance footage at Walmart.

How long does Walmart store security footage from parking lots?

The length of time that Walmart shops preserve parking lot security CCTV video varies, however most Walmart stores keep it for 30 days on average.

What is the procedure for gaining access to Walmart’s security camera footage?

You must have a good reason, such as believing you have been the victim of theft or in-store violence, to obtain security camera footage from Walmart.

If this is the case, making a note of the incident’s time, date, and position within the business might help you navigate the camera footage more easily.

Is Facial Recognition Used in Walmart Security Cameras?

As of 2020, Walmart has stated that it is collaborating with face recognition technology firms to detect and monitor shoplifters in real-time.

A Walmart official confirmed to Business Insider that face recognition AI cameras had been installed in 1000 Walmart locations across the United States.

Do Walmart’s surveillance cameras get a look-in?

Walmart does keep an eye on its security cameras, but it isn’t always doing so. Walmart recently invested in artificial intelligence (AI) security cameras that may alert employees to discrepancies or problems without requiring continual monitoring.

Security footage is more likely to be reviewed regularly in high-crime regions, but in most states, Walmart employs its security cameras to support prospective claims and police investigations rather than to prevent theft right away.

What Is Walmart’s Policy on Theft?

Walmart, like other big-box businesses, has a serious theft problem. Walmart has security cameras and personnel who have been trained to recognize robberies right away.

Walmart’s theft policy focuses on the following points:

  • If an employee is unsure whether or not someone is shoplifting, they should not intervene.
  • Only the most highly trained workers are capable of apprehending prospective shoplifters.
  • If no trained people are available, employees should wait until the shoplifter has left the store before intervening.

Based on store security cameras and personal data, Walmart can call the authorities and perhaps discover the shoplifter’s residence.

Alternatively, a shoplifter may be barred from particular Walmart shops or all Walmart stores in a state.

For additional information, read our other guides on whether Walmart files criminal charges against shoplifters, how Walmart tracks shoplifting, the top stolen Walmart items, and if Walmart can check your receipt when you leave a store.

Conclusion

Walmart’s security camera system has been enhanced and modernized to include artificial intelligence (AI) and facial recognition. The usual retention term for most in-store surveillance footage at Walmart is 6 months to 1 year. However, this varies by shop.

You must either phone the particular Walmart store or ask for the shop manager at the help service desk if you want to request or watch any Walmart surveillance footage. It is at the decision of the store manager on the day whether you will be able to personally watch the videotape; nevertheless, Walmart will be more than eager to cooperate in the majority of possible illegal or detrimental situations.

FAQs

  • Is it true that Walmart deletes surveillance footage?

CCTV video can be kept for 6 months to a year at large big superstores like Walmart. This will also allow them to check in on a certain employee who has a shady reputation, and they will be able to review the film for any clues or proof.

  • How long does surveillance video last?

The majority of surveillance camera video is kept for 30 to 90 days. This holds for hotels, retail outlets, supermarkets, and even construction firms. To meet industry regulatory requirements, banks preserve security camera video for up to six months.

  • When it comes to security cameras, how far back do they go?

How far do the cameras have a field of view? Most of the cameras we install have a range of vi. Howeversion of 0 to 50 ft. They can see longer distances, but not in great detail. Some cameras can see further away, but you can’t normally see both close and distant at the same time.

Walmart’s Security Footage Retention Policy

Walmart's Security Footage Retention Policy (2024)

FAQs

Walmart's Security Footage Retention Policy? ›

Generally speaking, most stores keep their camera footage for 30 days or less. This is to ensure that any suspicious activity can be reviewed in a timely manner and appropriate action taken if necessary. However, some stores may choose to keep their camera footage longer than this depending on the circ*mstances.

How long does security footage need to be kept? ›

Generally, security camera footage lasts from three months to one year based on cases. The old footage is deleted automatically to create space for new recordings. Note that each security camera is different and storage space too. A few businesses and financial institutions have a large amount of storage capacity.

What does Walmart do with security footage? ›

We use the information captured this way to: Ensure the safety of our associates, customers, and visitors. Monitor and manage the use of our parking lots. Prevent and detect crimes and investigate accidents, incidents, and claims.

Can you request security camera footage from Walmart? ›

You don't. First, you are ASSUMING the cameras witnessed a crime (unless you saw the footage, then you don't know for sure). Second, except in rare circ*mstances they will only share security footage with law enforcement. They are a private company and security footage is their private data...

Can you keep security footage forever? ›

If you have a CCTV system, the footage is typically stored on a DVR or NVR, and it is up to you how long you keep the footage. Some people keep the footage for a few days, while others keep it forever.

How long do retail stores keep CCTV footage? ›

In general, properties keep CCTV footage as long as they have the storage capacity to do so. In most cases, this means supermarkets and other properties keep footage for around 30 to 90 days. However, this varies a great deal. Some only keep footage for a few hours while others may retain it indefinitely.

Can I get CCTV footage from 2 years ago? ›

Yes, you can easily recover old CCTV footage using a good data recovery program like Disk Drill. If there is physical damage to the drive, it's better to make use of a professional data recovery service.

How often do stores delete security footage? ›

In general, most security camera footage is kept for 30 to 90 days (1 to 3 months the most).

Does Walmart check security footage? ›

Does Walmart check their security cameras every day? Every Walmart sends all their surveillance video to be uploaded to the HQ security office in Bentonville, AK every day. It isn't a nice process, but it works.

Does Walmart use facial recognition for shoplifting? ›

But earlier this year, Walmart (WMT) showed how times have changed. It tested a system that scanned the face of everyone entering several of its stores, identified suspected shoplifters, and instantly alerted store security on their mobile devices.

Can I ask to see security footage at store? ›

You don't have a legal duty to share surveillance footage with a customer who demands to see it, for example, to look at the condition of the floor in a slip and fall allegation. To obtain the video, the customer needs to sue the store.

Can you ask a store to look at security footage? ›

No. Recorded images from your home security camera are your private property. If law enforcement asks to see your footage to help with an investigation, you have the right to say no.

Does Walmart watch you on cameras? ›

As of 2019, this AI detection software is used in over 1,000 stores, per Insider. “The cameras track and analyze activities at both self-checkout registers and those manned by Walmart cashiers,” writes author Hayley Peterson.

What happens to old security footage? ›

What Happens With Old Security Footage? Typically when an SD card or a recorder hard drive fills up, any new footage simply overwrites the oldest footage. So if you have enough space for two weeks of video surveillance footage, for example, at any point you will have the last two weeks of footage saved.

Can I get CCTV footage from 5 years ago? ›

You cannot get it back unless your system was built with the specs in mind. If the CCTV system you have can store data for two weeks, before it gets overwritten, then by six months it has been overwritten a dozen times.

What is the lifespan of CCTV footage? ›

Generally speaking, cameras will last anywhere from 5 years on up, keeping in mind the technology is only 20 years old. According to Security-Net, a new, current IP camera should last 2 NVR cycles. An NVR cycle is typically between 3-5 years.

How often do stores look at camera footage? ›

Usually about a month (2–8 weeks) stored, and never reviewed, unless there's an incident.

How long does Home Depot keep security footage? ›

In her deposition, Lisa Young testified that the DVR system at Home Depot is capable of storing 90 days of video footage, and the same amount of footage can be exported and burned onto a CD.

How long does target keep surveillance footage? ›

Security footage, is video are from a video security system, security cameras. Old footage would be from sometime back. Some places keep their video longer or maybe there was an incident and a reason we keep the video. So typically 90 to 120 days is a long time for video storage.

Is it possible to recover old CCTV footage? ›

Yes, you can. There are a few ways to recover overwritten CCTV files, and the most effective one is using EaseUS data recovery software: Run EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard. Select the location and click Scan.

How long does Costco keep camera footage? ›

Costco's video security system retains footage for 30 days. Def.'s Ex. L at 8:15-17. Any letters requesting video footage are forwarded to Costco's legal department, which in turn directs the loss prevention manager about how to proceed.

How long do big companies keep CCTV footage? ›

The standard for hotels, supermarkets, construction companies, and similar medium sized applications is around 30 to 90 days. For larger enterprises, it is often recommended to store footage for 3 months.

How long does 7 Eleven keep security footage? ›

Yes, There are security camera inside and outside the store that record up to 48 hours of footage.

Does Walmart always watch security cameras? ›

The only locations in a Walmart that doesn't have security cameras are: the restrooms, the dressing rooms for trying on clothes, and the employee break room. Every other location is watched by at least one, most often multiple cameras. Every register has it's own camera.

Does Walmart build cases on shoplifters? ›

It uses video security cameras inside and outside the store. It has in-house private detectives, to watch for shoplifter's. So, to answer your question, Absolutely yes, Walmart does build cases against shoplifter's. iF they miss seeing it on video they have their in-house security team d...

What is the security at Walmart called? ›

Our Asset Protection specialists provide security in our stores, at distribution centers, and at corporate facilities. More than that, Asset Protection teams ensure compliance and prevent shrink. With the help of safety-minded experts like you, we can provide a safe experience for both our shoppers and our associates.

Does Walmart remember shoplifters? ›

While shoplifting occurs at many places, shoplifting at Walmart is one of the worst places for these charges to occur. Many people steal from Walmart each day. However, they do not remember that there are cameras, and they are going to get caught.

What is Walmart's shoplifting protocol? ›

What happens if you get caught shoplifting at Walmart? Per their company policy, Walmart will not detain or press charges against someone who is caught shoplifting less than $25 worth of goods. Instead, they'll urge you to leave the item with them.

Can Walmart press charges for shoplifting after you leave? ›

Most shoplifting cases are classified as a misdemeanor. This means that you can face shoplifting charges after leaving the store for up to 1 year after committing the crime. Sometimes it will take weeks or months for the store to file charges because of the constraints of video footage.

Can I request video footage? ›

How To Legally Request Video Footage. In California, you must follow the rules of discovery when obtaining surveillance video. This means you must provide notice to the other party that you are seeking the video, and you must comply with any protective orders or confidentiality agreements.

How do I recover my security footage? ›

How to retrieve CCTV footage from DVR?
  1. Connect your CCTV's storage device to your computer.
  2. Download, install, and launch Disk Drill.
  3. Scan the drive. Once completed, select the video you want to recover and click Recover.
  4. Choose the destination folder where the file will be saved. Then, click OK.
Nov 2, 2022

Does Walmart have security cameras in parking lot? ›

'When a couple pulls into the empty walmart parking lot thinking no one's watching. ' A pair of Walmart employees went viral after revealing just how much workers can see through the store's parking lot security cameras.

Can security cameras see phone screens? ›

At normal surveillance distance it might occasionally be possible for a store camera to see a crude version of a picture you're looking at on your phone, if you were viewing it full-screen. But even then the rendering would be extremely poor.

Does Walmart have cameras in every aisle? ›

Originally Answered: Are there security cameras at Wal-Mart stores? The only locations in a Walmart that doesn't have security cameras are: the restrooms, the dressing rooms for trying on clothes, and the employee break room. Every other location is watched by at least one, most often multiple cameras.

Can Walmart see what you do on your work phone? ›

Walmart will not have access to any personal data,” Dunn told The Post. She added that Walmart will not see employees' non-work-related emails, text messages, calls, voicemails, browser history, photos, videos or location.

What can Walmart see on your phone? ›

What CAN be seen by Walmart:
  • Battery Level.
  • Make and Model of the device.
  • Operating System (OS) version.
  • Corporate Email and Data.
  • Storage Usage.
  • Carrier.
  • Phone Number.
  • Country.
Oct 23, 2018

Is security footage hearsay? ›

Thus, surveillance videos are not hearsay, and, therefore, they have to be authenticated like a photograph.

Are CCTV footage automatically deleted? ›

Is CCTV footage automatically deleted? No. Deletion is always manual (footage intentionally deleted to hide any crime) but previously recorded footage can automatically be removed or lost due to data overwriting once the storage capacity is fully utilized and more recent footage needs to be written.

Is it easy to check CCTV footage? ›

As you can expect, the CCTV security camera owners can legally view the CCTV footage without any doubt. Also, they can share the camera access to their friends or family number whom they trust. But NOT in the following cases: other people can be seen in the camera footage.

How long does Kroger keep security footage? ›

How long does Kroger keep security footage? Kroger keeps CCTV security footage for 30 days and deletes it afterward to create more space for new videos.

How long does Walmart keep camera footage? ›

Generally speaking, most stores keep their camera footage for 30 days or less. This is to ensure that any suspicious activity can be reviewed in a timely manner and appropriate action taken if necessary. However, some stores may choose to keep their camera footage longer than this depending on the circ*mstances.

How long do hotels keep security footage? ›

There is no standard length of time that video surveillance recordings must be maintained in the hotel. Usually, hotel video recording tapes will be kept about 30 — 90 days. However, some regulations require that the recordings of the hotel security cameras in the casino need to be stored for 6 months or 1 year.

How long do hospitals keep security footage? ›

Unless pressing circ*mstances dictate for longer, hospitals typically keep surveillance footage for 30 to 90 days. Such a length of time is a standard policy to entities like businesses, security professionals, and more alike because a crime is generally discovered quickly after it is committed in the modern age.

How long do small businesses keep security footage? ›

Most businesses will want to store at least a month's worth, as this ensures any events that you may need to look back on will be accessible. Here are some common lengths of time for different security applications: Home security cameras often store only a week or two of footage.

How do I ask my business for security footage? ›

Go to the location and ask nearby stores or ask the property management company if they have surveillance of the area. The Freedom of Information Act can also make obtaining video from government-owned cameras obtainable. Getting to the scene early is imperative.

How long does Costco keep security footage? ›

Costco's video security system retains footage for 30 days. Def.'s Ex. L at 8:15-17. Any letters requesting video footage are forwarded to Costco's legal department, which in turn directs the loss prevention manager about how to proceed.

Can deleted security footage be recovered? ›

Yes. You can recover deleted CCTV footage with data recovery software, services, and backups.

How long does ADT store footage? ›

Digital recording

Upgrade to monitored security cameras to store video surveillance for up to 30 days and download digital copies to your computer. Also get clear video and easy remote viewing through the ADT Control app.

Do stores always check security footage? ›

Do stores check their security cameras? Yes. It would be pretty silly if they didn't. But they don't have the money to have someone watching every video every camera records, so they usually just check them when something happens that points out that time and location.

How long does CVS keep security footage? ›

Monitored Store Security Cameras

Usually, CVS keeps records of CCTV footage for up to three months. However, this may depend on the capacity of its storage drive but may keep the storage longer if they use cloud storage.

How long do most hotels keep security footage? ›

CCTV footage for hotels should be kept for 30-90 days. However, owners can store footage captured after an incident for longer to aid an investigation or as evidence. Some jurisdictions require that CCTV footage from the casino in a hotel be stored for six months or a year.

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