Hy-Vee is adding retail security teams to some of its stores as part of its ongoing efforts to ensure the health and safety of customers and employees.
Hy-Vee retail security officers will be in Hy-Vee stores during operating hours to "provide security and serve as a customer service resource to shoppers and employees in multiple markets across the Midwest," according to a Hy-Vee news release.
These officers, many of whom come from a law enforcement background, have completed training designed by Hy-Vee retail security leaders alongside law enforcement partners. They are trained to "defuse situations and equipped to protect the safety of Hy-Vee customers and employees," according to the news release.
"Our goal is to create a consistent look for our security team and approach to customer service and security across all of our stores," said Tina Potthoff, Hy-Vee's senior vice president of communications.
Officers are in several stores now, and more officers are completing the Hy-Vee retail security training program so they can begin serving in other Hy-Vee stores across the company's eight-state region soon. The Jefferson City Hy-Vee does not have a retail security team.
"This program will roll out to several stores throughout 2022," Pothoff said. "I don't have a response for when or if Jefferson City will be included."
Hy-Vee is actively recruiting officers to join the new Hy-Vee retail security team. Interested applicants can email [email protected].
"Hy-Vee has a strong history of doing anything for our customers, and these officers will be held to that same standard," said Jeremy Gosch, Hy-Vee's president and chief operating officer, in the news release. "These officers will help provide another layer of safety and security for our customers and will work alongside our store employees to deliver the same helpful smiles and outstanding service everyone expects at their local store."