Grocery chain Hy-Vee will add a Hy-Vee Retail Security team to retail stores across its eight-state region in order to ensure the health and safety of its employees and customers.

The grocer, which operates across the Midwestern United States, aims to create a consistent look for the security team and consistent approach to customer service and security across all of stores. Retail security officers will be present in stores during operating hours. 

The officers, many of whom come from a law enforcement background, are specially trained to de-escalate situations and equipped to protect the safety of both customers and employees. The officers have been through training designed by Hy-Vee retail security leaders alongside law enforcement partners.