There are literally hundreds of cameras. Including ones raised high on trailers in the parking lot. The same pole has blinking blue lights to simulate a police cruiser and a loud speaker reminding you the parking lot is being monitored. Back in the store as you walk in there is an electric gate and a camera and monitor. On which is writing which also reminds you you are being monitored. You have to wait to let them get a picture of you before the gate will open.

But the best of all of this. After you finish checking out your groceries as if you work there, you have to keep your reciept handy before your cart is checked by armed guards. Body armor. A gun. Not the police (as if that would make it better, but at least their job is to “protect and serve” the public) As you walk up they are usually shooting the shit with each other, and they maintain that pleasantness while they check your receipt (as if they actually are). You are at complete ease until you realize you went through a security checkpoint with a riot squad.

What. The. Fuck. It's not that I don't believe OP, but we live in completely different worlds. It doesn't have to be like that.

It has always been so confusing to me that people don't seem to grasp that giving intravenous drug users a safe place to use with clean needles also makes them safe. Now you don't have used needles all over and the wider spread of bloodborne pathogens, which doesn't just affect users. Also, now you can shit in public bathrooms.