[buccaneer81]

the thought that these monitors are being screened 24/7 [like in a Hollywood movie or a casino] is probably unrealistic.

They're timestamped, and searched if necessary. Much more efficient and less litigious.

[Daffynition]

So the person on the floor is the one who is responsible for alerting a store detective; if that is the case and we are to believe the story, this is what Walmart does: Wal-Mart fires employee for chasing after thief Wal-Mart policy prohibits employees from going after suspects armed with a weapon... why even have a store detective, if you are not going to prosecute every thief?