Is Wal-Mart watching you?

[rj112275]

Just thought y'all may want to know what may be coming to a Wal-Mart near you...

In response to a question I posed to Wal-Mart corporate about their practice to video record all gun and ammo purchases, here's the e-mail I received back:

"Wal-Mart understands its role as a leading, responsible retailer in the U.S. and is making strides to strengthen its already existing security processes to help combat illegal gun activity in the communities we serve. Wal-Mart has a long and proud history of offering the products hunters and outdoorsmen want and need and that will not change.

It is important to note that these procedures should not impede law-abiding citizens from purchasing firearms at our stores that sell them. These processes merely provide us, as a retailer, an additional mechanism to assist law enforcement when illegal activity occurs.

We are hopeful these enhanced processes with help from law enforcement and other retailers committing to do the same can make a positive difference in our communities.

Thank you,
Wal-Mart Customer Relations"

 

[CBS220]

Yeah, and the grocery store videotapes me too.

So?

This is Walmart doing it. Don't like it, don't shop there.

This thread has been done many times, though.

 

[ServiceSoon]

Maybe that is what he is doing. By spreading the word that Walmart records these transactions.

 

[Big45]

They can come out and snap a polaroid of me for all I care. They have the cheapest 9mm around.

 

[rj112275]

I didn't realize that Wal-Mart had such a problem with illegal gun activity and had to take steps to reduce the criminal element that shops for illegal guns/ammo at everyday prices.

i don't think the grocery store has been turning video tapes into the police to review for me buying perfectly legal groceries. why start with guns?

 

[kingpin008]

It's been established MANY, MANY times that the "videotaping of gun sales" that Wal-Mart is describing in NO WAY includes me (or anyone else) having a camera stuck in their face while they fill out the 4473 or anything else like that. And in case you didn't know, as CBS220 has already mentioned - you're already on camera from the moment you park your car in their parking lot.

Wal-Mart is NOT creating some new Orwellian registry, Wal-Mart is NOT changing the procedures for buying guns in their stores in ANY significant way. That's the facts. And if you don't like it, you've got a right not to shop there! Problem solved!

**EDIT** And let's be clear - Wal-Mart isn't going to be "turning in" anything to the police, UNLESS there is reason to believe (and I'd imagine it'd have to be a pretty dang good reason, seeing as how an individual could sue them later for improper dissemnation of private information) that the information is necessary to investigate a crime. Which guess what - is EXACTLY what they'd do with any of their other security camera surveillance footage in their stores!

 

[Dksimon]

get ready for the lockdown.

But yes, they are watching you. unless you are a shady character I wouldnt worry too much about it.

 

[tmajors]

You get video taped walking into the front door of Walmart. They don't care if you are buying gum, cat food, or guns and ammo. If you're in Walmart you're on tape.

 

[John828]

Another Wal-Mart thread? Great, I can check that off of my "to do" list for the day.

Not an hour ago I bought three Federal bulk packs at WallyWorld. I looked around, up at the ceiling too, but did not see any cameras. If they filmed me, that's fine. I still got the ammo for $11.97 a pack. The only thing I can say about WallyWorld is that they need to start rolling back the prices on .22 and .45 ACP.

ibtl

 

[GRB]

I didn't realize that Wal-Mart had such a problem with illegal gun activity and had to take steps to reduce the criminal element that shops for illegal guns/ammo at everyday prices.

i don't think the grocery store has been turning video tapes into the police to review for me buying perfectly legal groceries. why start with guns?

You must not watch television news, or read it online or in the papers. If you did, then you would know that yes there is a pretty big problem out there of criminals buying guns at legal sources such as gin stores or other stores like Wal-Mart that sell guns. There is also a problem of politicos like Bloomberg trying to shaft the legitimate gun retailers, let alone the BATFE doing the same, so while I disagree with Wal-Mart’s policy on this I surely can understand why they implemented it, as a sort of CYA move. I guess that is why they did this with gun sales.

As for the grocery store not turning videos of you buying legal groceries over to the police, are you trying to imply that this is what Wal-Mart intends to do? I think you missed something, or maybe I did, but I suspect they will only turn over tapes to the police if their is some sort of investigation of illegal activity - just like when the supermarket or grocery store that gets robbed turns over the video tapes to police, and I suspect they will require a subpoena. It happens all the time.

As for Wal-Mart implementing this just at the firearms counter, I think it is outrageous for them singling our firearms purchasers with this extra surveillance, and I have already sent my email to them and received the same ludicrous reply. Still though, it is their choice to make, and now we have to make the choice of remaining a Wal-Mart shopper or not. I have not been to Wal-Mart since I heard this, with one possible slip up (darn my not thinking of this if it was after this came out but I am not sure if it was before or after this surveillance thing came about). I will try to keep avoiding their stores until they relent, and will keep writing them in protest. Hopefully if enough of us do so, they will get the idea it was a bad move.

All the best,
Glenn B

 

[Bazooka Joe71]

Sheeeewwww! I was having Wal-Mart thread withdraws.

Another Wal-Mart thread? Great, I can check that off of my "to do" list for the day.

For the day, or for the hour?

 

[cassandrasdaddy]

"i don't think the grocery store has been turning video tapes into the police to review for me buying perfectly legal groceries. why start with guns?"

if you go out and slaughter someone with cans of tomato paste the piggly wiggly will be giving up tape

 

[xjchief]

They Got Me!!!!!

...buying a couple more boxes of 9mm. $18.87/100 for WWB seems unbeatable. Lowest brass cased comperable is over 20 bucks plus shipping.

 

[PTK]

I don't worry about it. I buy, at a minimum, 2k of Federal bulk .22lr there a month.

 

[Ridgerunner665]

My problem is not so much them videotaping me...

Its that they made this agreement Bloomburg...and I have stopped shopping there because of it.

The way I see it...WalMart it either with us or against us...by making an agreement with Bloomburg...they have shown which side they are on.

 

[CBS220]

Walmart is concerned about being sued.

They aren't abrogating your rights in any manner. If it doesn't affect their cash flow, they don't care about the gun owner's spat with Bloomberg.

 

[John828]

The way I see it...WalMart it either with us or against us...by making an agreement with Bloomburg...they have shown which side they are on.

If they were really against us, they would stop selling ammunition. When that happens, I will probably stop shopping there. Except for toothpaste, gum, oil, t-shirts, shampoo, toilet paper, cleaning supplies. Okay, i probably won't stop shopping there, but I won't buy my ammo there anymore.

 

[Geno]

The solution is really quite simple. If you disagree with the practice, send the company's CEO and chair of the board a nice letter detailing why they have lost your business.

 

[Ridgerunner665]

The solution is really quite simple. If you disagree with the practice, send the company's CEO and chair of the board a nice letter detailing why they have lost your business.

I did...I told them that if they had made this decision on their own it would be one thing...but by taking sides with Bloomburgh they have shown which side they were on when it comes to "unreasonable gun control". Also reminded them that Sam Walton would roll over in his grave if he knew they did this.

I wish I still had the email...but they replied with a load of BS...

 

[hksw]

i don't think the grocery store has been turning video tapes into the police to review for me buying perfectly legal groceries.

No they don't when nothing out of the ordinary is or has occurred. But, they certainly do when something negative does or did happen. Do you think WM sends the videos EVERY time a transaction occurs? Do you think the police have the time to review every sale, the overwhelming majority (I'm guessing 99.99% of the time) of which are legal?

WM:

...an additional mechanism to assist law enforcement when illegal activity occurs.

 

[MiddleAgedKen]

They ain't watching any more, as I have done with Wally World.

 

[357chevy]

Wal-Mart

That's ok, I don't go to wal-mart. I went to a wal-mart a few years ago. The store is 35miles from me, as everything is. I had my list about 1/2 mile long. I go in, and noticed that I left my pen at home. "don't worrie, I'm at wal-mart, They might have one here," I told myself. So I'm looking at pens, and some of them are like $3. I don't need that. I find one for about $0.43. Cheapest pen there. I go about 20feet away to the nearest register. I pay for the pen. Then I go to the nearest trash can (so the cashier can see me do it) and I toss the plastic in the trash. We must have been there 2 1/2 hours shopping, a crossing stuff off the list. I think the 2 carts come out to about $340. When I stepped out the front door, the guy who was infront of me turned around a said "Wal-Mart Police." At the same time, he flips open his badge, and hands me the plastic from the trash. I guess there state of the art systems don't have a review button. They cought me thorwing the plasic in the trash, and sent this guy down to follow me for about 2 1/2 hours. I told the guy he should tell his boss to use the money he saves them everyday to get a VCR with a review button. And I have not been back since.

 

[PershingRiflesC-7]

To the OP: Welcome to last month with your breaking news Wal-Mart thread that anybody with any Internet gun board connection knows was part of a go-away agreement with the Bloomin-idiot mayor of NYC and that it means nothing, not worth the trees killed to put it on paper.

How about you hold off on spamming every doggone gun board (yes, we all saw you over on GT with this exact same post) with your breathless recounting of how WM done you wrong and invaded your "privacy", which never existed the moment you pulled your car on their parking lot!!!!!:banghead::banghead:

Perhaps some time learning the Search function would be an interesting distraction with all the time you are saving by not going to WM!!

 

[sm]

Re: Glenn Bartley's post number 10

Well written and I agree sir.


It is not just one Corporation, many others are subscribing to covering their arse to prevent litigation as insurance companies do have that much influence on rules, regulations and policy.

Bloomberg is another factor, and whether under the brainwashing and indoctrination that all guns are bad, and the gov't will take care of you - or -downright belief in all guns are bad and the gov't will take care you, these "security" measures are implemented.

Surveillance cameras do not prevent criminals from doing crime.
While inside one is being watched and recorded for any purchase, criminals are outside the store doing crimes with cameras recording them with stolen cars, and other tools criminals use in parking lots, at the corner stop light, the gas station on the lot. (carjacking).

We have members of THR, that have had kinfolks not only attacked, also killed outside of these stores, with cameras.


It is not about you or me, it is about the Corporation making money, and not getting sued.
Along with some supporting anti gun ideology.

You get killed, it is no big deal.
Someone else will be in that business buying the same mdse and spending money as you did the next day.

 

[cortez kid]

UUUMMM, they video tape you when you buy at Gander Mtn. Also at any super market, convienience store, gas station, hospital, airport, toll booth, major or minor city street. Oh yeah, don't forget that stupid satellite for Google and whoever else. The only place your safe is in the bathroom, by the way you forgot to wash your hands last time.
kid