I know most banks have had silent alarms (panic buttons) for decades.
And some small grocery stores and gas stations also, used to either trigger a call to the police or to remotely lock the doors to prevent entry of a threat.
But I just came across this -- had no idea there was a movement advocating for such a thing:
Major retail stores across the state of New York will be required to install “panic buttons” for their employees now that Governor Kathy Hochul has signed the Retail Worker Safety Act, aimed at increasing retail worker safety protections. The law will take effect March 1, 2025, and panic buttons will need to be accessible or operational in New York locations by January 1, 2027.
How would it work?
“‘Panic button’ means a physical button installed in easily accessible locations throughout the workplace, or a wearable, or mobile phone-based button that when pressed immediately contacts the local 9-1-1 public safety answering point (“PSAP”), provides that PSAP with employee location information, and dispatches local law enforcement to the workplace.”
It doesn't sound like this is just a "major retailer" type of thing; many small businesses would also need to comply. There is a cost to that.
And I can definitely see 1 big problem: false alarms. Accidental presses -- and intentional presses. Plus, one person's idea of a threat is going to be different from everyone else's. There will likely be a lot of times officers respond for no reason.
I guess the wearable button makes more sense than fixed-location buttons. If a gunshot would ring out, the employee wouldn't have to travel to find a button. Same if there was an angry customer in the sports section.
Starbucks is rolling the buttons out as well:
Why can't people just act like adults and treat one another with respect?
Yeesh.
Will body cameras be next?
Grace & Peace & Love to you all -
Matt