Dillard's Surveillance: Are Shoppers Being Watched?

Dillard's, Inc. is an American department store chain with approximately 267 stores in 29 states. The company has a history of acquiring smaller chains and turning around locations that other companies could not operate profitably. In addition to its retail business, Dillard's also offers security solutions to its customers, including the installation of cameras and access control systems. The presence of surveillance cameras in Dillard's stores has been a topic of discussion, with some employees taking on the role of camera operators to prevent theft. However, opinions vary on the effectiveness of these security measures, and some reviews suggest that the equipment used is outdated and that the work can be monotonous.

Dillard's surveillance cameras have audio capability

In 1995, new management at the Dillard Department Stores Inc. Penn Square Mall store in Oklahoma City purchased and installed surveillance cameras with audio capability. The former chief of security, Dale Frusher, testified that he informed the store's operations manager, Ms. Suz Watts, that signs would need to be posted to inform people about the possibility that their conversations would be monitored. However, there is no evidence that he discussed the legalities of audio surveillance with anyone else from the company's management.

Dillard's, Inc. has since employed many camera operators, and reviews from these employees provide some insight into the use of surveillance cameras within the company. One former employee who worked as a camera operator in Plano, Texas, mentioned that there was no official protocol for theft, and they were simply instructed to contact store security or mall security. They also noted that the camera room was tiny and lacked air conditioning. Another former employee from Phoenix, Arizona, described the management as "horrible" and stated that they did nothing to support the staff.

While some reviews mention the presence of surveillance cameras and the role of camera operators in loss prevention, none of the reviews specifically mention the audio capability of the cameras. It is also worth noting that some reviews describe the equipment used as outdated and in need of replacement.

Therefore, while it is known that Dillard's surveillance cameras had audio capability in the Penn Square Mall store in 1995, it is unclear whether this is a widespread feature in all of their stores or if it is still in use today. The reviews from camera operators suggest that the focus of their work is primarily on visual surveillance and theft prevention, with no specific mention of audio capabilities.

The surveillance cameras are located in the Penn Square Mall store in Oklahoma City

The Dillards store in Penn Square Mall, Oklahoma City, has surveillance cameras installed. This was confirmed in a lawsuit filed by the former chief of security of the store, Dale Frusher, who was terminated from his job in 1995.

Frusher's case mentioned that the surveillance cameras were purchased and installed by new management, and that they had audio capability. The case also revealed that Frusher informed the store's operations manager, Ms. Suz Watts, that signs would need to be posted to inform customers about the possibility of their conversations being monitored.

While the specific locations of the cameras within the store are not publicly available, it is safe to assume that they are strategically placed to cover as much of the store as possible, including high-risk areas such as entrances, exits, and merchandise displays.

The presence of surveillance cameras in retail stores like Dillards is not unusual. They serve as a security measure to deter and prevent theft, vandalism, and other criminal activities. The cameras can also be used to monitor customer behaviour, identify shoplifters, and gather data for analytics.

In addition to fixed cameras, some stores may employ roving security guards or plainclothes officers who blend in with customers to keep an eye out for suspicious activities. This multi-layered approach to security helps protect the store's assets and ensure the safety of customers and staff.

A former employee said the camera room was tiny, with no air conditioning

A former employee at Dillard's has described the camera room as "tiny" and lacking air conditioning, with only a small desk fan to provide some relief from the heat. This particular review offers insight into the physical environment and conditions that surveillance staff have to endure. The former employee also noted that the walls were made of drywall filled with random holes, giving the room an unfinished appearance.

The review also highlights a lack of training for new staff, which can be challenging when trying to learn the job and adapt to the unique work environment. The reviewer mentioned that their training consisted solely of a rundown from existing staff members, with no official protocol for theft or other incidents. This lack of standardised training could potentially impact the effectiveness of the surveillance team and their ability to respond to incidents in a consistent manner.

The review also mentions the competitive and negative atmosphere among colleagues, with everyone gossiping about each other and a general lack of positivity. This type of work environment can be detrimental to employee morale and productivity, as well as impacting the overall effectiveness of the surveillance team.

While the reviewer did not specify the location of this particular Dillard's store, it is safe to assume that the camera room conditions may vary across different stores, with some potentially offering more comfortable and better-equipped spaces for their surveillance staff. However, this review does provide a glimpse into the challenges that surveillance staff at Dillard's may face in certain stores.

A former employee said the camera room gave them an overwhelming sense of dread

Dillard's, Inc. is an American department store chain with approximately 267 stores in 29 states. The company is headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas, and has been in operation since 1938.

Surveillance and Security at Dillard's

Surveillance and security are important aspects of retail operations, and Dillard's is no exception. The company employs individuals in roles such as camera operators and loss prevention specialists to monitor their stores and prevent theft.

A Former Employee's Experience

A former employee of Dillard's, who worked as a camera operator in Flagstaff, AZ, shared their experience on Indeed.com. They described an "overwhelming sense of dread and depression" each time they entered the camera room. The room is described as dark, with unpainted drywall and a concrete floor. The act of watching the cameras for more than five minutes is said to cause headaches, and the chairs are described as extremely uncomfortable.

Impact on Employees

The physical environment of the camera room, combined with the nature of the work, appears to have taken a toll on this former employee's well-being. They describe a sense of dread and physical discomfort, indicating that the work environment was not conducive to their job satisfaction or overall health.

Recommendations for Improvement

While the former employee does not specify any recommendations for improving the camera room, it seems apparent that addressing the physical environment could be a good starting point. This could include proper lighting, ergonomic furniture, and perhaps some decorative elements to make the space more inviting. Additionally, providing adequate training and support for employees in these roles could help reduce the sense of isolation and stress associated with the job.

In conclusion, the testimony of this former employee highlights the importance of considering the well-being of employees in surveillance and security roles. Creating a healthy and supportive work environment can not only improve employee satisfaction but also potentially enhance their performance and retention.

A former employee said the camera room was flexible and laid-back

A former employee at Dillard's, Inc. described their experience working as a camera operator at the company as "flexible [and] laid-back." They explained that the job offered a good work-life balance and that they learned a lot about retail security. The employee also mentioned that they had interesting experiences and met many interesting people during their tenure.

Dillard's, Inc. is an American department store chain with approximately 267 stores in 29 states, including Texas, Florida, and California. The company offers a variety of positions, including sales, customer service, and security roles. While the specific work environment can vary depending on the location and management team, some employees have described their experience at Dillard's, Inc. as positive, with supportive management and a friendly work environment.

In terms of work-life balance, some employees have noted that the company offers flexible hours and paid holidays for both full-time and part-time employees. However, others have mentioned that the work can be slow during non-holiday periods, and there may be a need for overtime or working on days off.

Regarding the physical work environment, a few employees have described the camera room as small, cramped, and uncomfortable, with issues such as inadequate air conditioning and poor-quality furniture. However, others have not mentioned any significant issues with the work environment, indicating that experiences may vary across different locations.

Overall, while there are some mixed reviews, the description of the camera room as "flexible and laid-back" by a former employee suggests that the work environment in that particular role at Dillard's, Inc. may be relatively relaxed and adaptable.

Frequently asked questions