Originally Posted by
Taker Park
Patdowns require at least one articulable fact. Example: Passenger had an unexplained bulge around his/her midsection.
Each level on increased search requires further evidence/suspicion and may involve Chief Counsel, the Port Director, or court order.
Levels include: partial removal of clothing, x-ray of body, cavity search and/or monitored bowel movement.
Articulable fact(s) are components of PC, not PC itself. That was my point. You are, of course, correct that the more invasive searches need approval. I wasn't clear enough and didn't mention strip searches (didn't really think of them for some reason).
The point is - PC is not necessary for searches at a POE.