Dec. 29, 2021

You’ll soon be seeing security officers at Hy-Vee.

The Iowa-based grocer is adding a security team “to ensure the health and safety of both its customers and employees,” it said in a statement.

Officers will be added across the eight-state region and will be present in the stores during operating hours. Many of the officers have a law enforcement background and are “specially trained to defuse situations and equipped to protect the safety of both Hy-Vee customers and employees,” the company said.

The officers have been through training designed by Hy-Vee retail security leaders alongside law enforcement partners.

“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, president and chief operating officer.

“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.”

Officers are in several stores now, and more are being hired and completing training so they can begin serving in other Hy-Vee stores in the near future.