[inquest]

So they shouldn't be allowed to arrest someone who attempts to smuggle in illegal items, just (attempt to) prevent them from entering? Are we to assume that no one could possibly get past customs anyway, so there's no need for deterrence? Apparently the man they found with marijuana didn't think it was impossible, and I'm sure he's had experience at this.

[monday]

"So they shouldn't be allowed to arrest someone who attempts to smuggle in illegal items"

Of course arrest them once they submit to a search. Just don't go running after them if they don't, and certainly don't beat the hell out of them if they don't.

Is this really that difficult for you to understand?

you said "Are we to assume that no one could possibly get past customs anyway, so there's no need for deterrence?"

You think that beating up people who refuse to be searched would be a deterrence? How about not letting them into the country? Wouldn't that work too? A side benefit would be that there would be fewer lawsuits as well.

I am sure it is possible to get past customs, but I don't agree that beating up people is a deterrence. You search people and either you find drugs and arrest them, or you don't find drugs, and they get away with it.

Beating people should not be an official policy of law enforcement, and if it is, then the person or persons who designed that policy should join the customs official in prison.