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I used to work for a dept chain like Kohls. At our stores, there were a couple outside cameras mounted on the wall outside the building close to the roof. They were positioned to cover as much as possible, if not all, of the parking lot and could zoom in as close as necessary. They were used for security purposes, like when we came and went at opening and closing, they could be set to tape (like all the cameras could) and also to cover incidents of shoplifting, because the apprehensions often took place outside the store (if not in the lobby) and having record of how the incident was handled was always a good idea just in case the shoplifter cried foul. So usually an incident was taped from start to finish - if someone was seen taking and concealing an item, security would roll tape and keep it going til apprehension.

Really not that scary, for privacy reasons, if that's what you meant. Outside cameras are monitoring store property and we didn't make a habit of watching people for the fun of it. If this woman was any kind of trouble in the store - and apparently they were suspicious of her because they refused her return, probably thought she stole it in the first place - they probably taped her leaving the store so they could more easily remember her in the future. I expect they were already familiar with her for one reason or another. You wouldn't believe how many of the usual suspects go to the same stores over and over to pull the same stunts.

In fact, I find it extremely fortunate that this monster's car was parked in such a way that it allowed the camera to get a head-on shot of her beating her child.

Thanks. I've had a number of people respond similarly to you and I can certainly see your point. It is private property and to me, that makes a lot of difference. In the township where I live, my daughter and I have been noticing what we think may be cameras in almost all intersections. My husband says maybe they're not, and he's going to investigate with me. The use of cameras is a particular privacy concern of mine. However, I hope that they catch this woman. No child should have to endure what this woman was doing to her.