I originally started (and deleted) this as a response elsewhere, but it would have been semi-off-topic there and I've been wanting to bring this up inTS&S anyway.
Originally Posted by
whirledtraveler
Somehow, I don't think it plays out that way. The LEO probably says "look mister, you can answer some questions or else you will be escorted off airport property and you won't fly today."
Which begs a question: Just what is the authority and what are the qualifications of the typical LEO in such a situation?
The typical LEO at an airport is there to arrest murderers, rapists, drug dealers and the occasional flyer who gets too bent out shape at TSA checkpoint. Most work for an airport authority or other local jurisdictions. I doubt the if the typical LEO is qualified to screen a carryon short of recognizing the really obvious (e.g. a gun).
The reports I've read of LEO's (including FBI & air marshalls) questioning FT'ers is that they often don't know which end is up. LEO's come in two basic varieties: beat cops (shooters) and gumshoes (brains, detectives). It's the beat cops & shooters (including FAM's) that you're more likely to encounter at an airport. Many (FAM's excluded) might fly no more often than the typical average American and have little familiarity with the life of a road warrior.
If a LEO beckons you, you're probably in for some wasted hours.
It is the TSA which charged with and trained for inspecting passengers and others for weapons, bombs and other banned items, and for vetting flyers whose names match those on the "no-fly" list.
A TSA officer doesn't have any authority to compel your cooperation (or do they?) once you're past their checkpoint, and why would they bother since they've already vetted you once? I've only seen secondary TSA checkpoints at gates in the early stages of the liquids hysteria.
And finally, assuming you're sitting at the gate and someone decides that you or your bags need to be searched. Who can make that determination and how intrusive (e.g. pat down, documents, computer files) can that search be?
- LEO? There are issues of probable cause and articulable suspicion that a crime has been committed.
- TSA? More likely to have the authority, but can the scope of the go beyond checking for prohibited items (guns, knives, etc.)?