re: Flock is very unpopular, so are we OK with drones chasing down shoplifters?

So you present a question of flock cameras that are owned by private companies that track everyone, cars and providing possible privacy issues to that of capturing criminals?

I thought this was funny

Ok, so for the argument. They never claimed this was Police footage.
A person can use an independent video to push their point. We do it all the time.

I will say tho that it looks staged. Nobody in the parking lot, and so many parking spots empty.
Why would they park so far away when the lot is that empty? They want to get to their vehicle and just be gone. And where is the license plate for the vehicle they ran to?

Good piloting by the operator. If it's real, very, very cool that he/she stepped up.

As for actual police drones. Cheaper than choppers, but I don't know if many districts will want to fork over the costs of the equipment and operators.
Keep in mind wind and weather conditions that affect small flying objects. Especially city street drafts.

Also range limitations.

Honestly... If they could do it without using them for traffic ticketing, or constant surveillance I don't see why they shouldn't use more mobile tools.

I could most definitely consider the use of them for active shooter situations, or times when a person is holed up in a residence making a police standoff.