For starters, on the street there is no question but that they have to meet proper constitutional criteria before they can conduct a search. They can't just decide on a whim to see if your person or suitcase contains a handgun. Furthermore, on the street that handgun may be legal if you live in one of the 3/4 of the states that issue concealed carry permits.

At an airport, the equation changes ("all bags are subject to search"), or does it? You've already been vetted once by TSA. If anything, probable cause should arise less often once you are airside. The question remains: What (if anything) can LEO look for once you are airside, what constitutional criteria must be met?

Such as? Remember, you've already been screened for guns, bombs, knives, swords, machetes ....

I didn't say they lacked brains, but I distinctly recall one I ran into recently that lacked training. The distinction between beat cops & detectives is very real. The guy who spends all day watching the TSA checkpoint or standing around with the M-16 is unlikely to be a well-trained investigator.

karthik would likely disagree.

But who has the authority to conduct such searches? Can they do it on a whim?

And how instrusive can the search be? Reading personal papers? Reading emails & other files on a laptop? Pat down? Body cavity search?

I've already run into one inadequately trained turkey with a badge. I'd rather understand what my rights are and how far they can go, thank you.