HALOS research: Americans believe body cameras can help as retailers face surge in customer incivility and retail crime

A new YouGov poll finds broad support among Americans for body camera use in retail, public transit, private security and other sectors where frontline workers increasingly face disruptive behaviour.

As H&M becomes the latest major retailer to start testing bodycams for employees, a survey of over 2,500 American adults, commissioned by tech firm HALOS, found more than 70% are comfortable with, or indifferent about, the growing prevalence of body worn cameras beyond law enforcement.

"There’s been a lot of conversation about how bodycams impact businesses and employees, but we wanted to understand how the public feels about seeing them in everyday settings,” says Alan Ring, CEO at HALOS.

"Our study found the majority don’t mind that bodycams may be capturing their interactions in a store, on a train or at a concert because this era of over-sharing on social media and hyperconnectivity has sort of made that the expectation. It goes to show how bodycams are quickly becoming an accepted part of the public safety toolkit." 

62% of respondents believe the use of body worn cameras by frontline staff helps to deter disorderly behaviour. n addition to the US sample, YouGov surveyed over 2,000 adults in the UK.

Of the combined poll, the study found: 67% agree the use of body worn cameras by staff in public settings helps deter disorderly conduct; Over 50% said the presence of these cameras on staff increases their sense of personal safety; 44% would think twice about their behaviour if they knew employees in a given setting were wearing body-worn cameras.

"Body worn cameras are no longer just a policing tool; they're the new frontline defence in public safety,” says Professor Martin Gill, Professor of Criminology and Director of Perpetuity Research, a security consulting firm.

“The search for new and better ways of fighting crime and protecting people is driving innovation, and bodycams are at the forefront. This latest survey by HALOS is most welcome in drawing attention to their potential, when properly managed, to help tackle crime and deter unwanted behaviour."

When asked what settings they felt bodycams could most enhance safety and accountability for employees, the top three cited by respondents beyond law enforcement, which ranked first, were: Private security (think: security staff in office buildings, stadiums and concert venues and shopping centres): Emergency response crews including emergency medical services workers and those responding to natural disasters; Transport workers, which includes delivery drivers.

"We're only scratching the surface for where and how bodycams can create safer spaces," says Ring. "As the public continues to view them more as a safety tool and less about surveillance, we anticipate they'll become the norm across more sectors, and much like CCTV cameras, people won't even think twice about seeing them."

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Retail security will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.