The local Wal-mart is in a nice area. And has one of the lowest inventory theft rates in the area. They have intensive monitoring with several dedicated security people on the floor at any given time and lots of security cameras.
They still catch several shop lifters a day. I understand they usually prosecute at least one a day, and others they ban from all Wal-mart stores forever, and threaten them with trespassing charges if they return.
Their security cameras can track people a couple of blocks from the store property. And the local police tend to keep at least one vehicle in the area (They pay a lot of sales taxes.)
It's a reasonable policy given the amount of theft. I doubt that state law quoted by Rick really exists, but it's a stupid law if it does.
Why?
Such monitoring should be illegal.
You have no idea how many cameras WalMart has or how bad it really is in there. I do. They have more than you can imagine.
They track individuals by computer and follow them throughout the store. Face recognition. They take your photo at the checkout line when you buy certain products (such as cell phones) and keep it on file.
How's that for invasive? Anytime anybody wants to stick it to Wal-Mart, I'm all for it. After hearing that last bit, especially.