Originally Posted by
Dr. HFH
They can, I believe. Similar to a security guard checking your bags as you leave a department store. However, I believe that you have the right to insist that a police officer (as opposed to a private security guard) do the search if you're willing to wait for one. I did that once at a department store, -- insisted that they could call the police or I would walk out.
I am certain that the department store has no right to check your bags either. There is
a whole thread about it.