Originally Posted by
InkUnderNails
Necessary disclaimer: IANAL.
I thought that one of the guidelines for a proper administrative search was that it could not be selective. For example, a sobriety roadblock has to check everyone to remain an administrative search. If there is a selection process, then it must be based on some indication that moves it out of the administrative search and into the law enforcement search.
Oh, that is what Nappy said they are.
If I a wrong I will find out soon enough......
There is a whole library of court cases over whether airport searches constitute 4th amendment violations or not. From what little I have read (IANAL either), checking bags and using magnetometers is legal (of course it is - been done for many years). I think the HUGE legal decision regarding all of this is whether we have an expectation of bodily privacy while in line at the airport.
That said, in answer to the OP, pat downs will be used for anyone who sets off a WTMD or is chosen for a random screening, whether AIT is in use or not, or even in the building.