No. In the US we only do that to scare people. In China the system actually works and people know that so they don't shoplift in these places. I imagine you wou

No. In the US we only do that to scare people. In China the system actually works and people know that so they don't shoplift in these places. I imagine you would be arrested before you made it out of the mall. Also, stores are REQUIRED to have cameras bought from the government's contractors just like how the government regulates the installation of fire extinguishers and other safety equipment in the US. It's more like a toll booth going into large parking areas and there is a camera there. It takes a picture of your license plate and you and then the gate goes up. In areas like schools, or anywhere where there are children, officers will stop you and take your picture and verify your identity to help keep the kids safe.