They did mine in public..but I was seperated from my carry ons..they were out of my sight. My husband later pointed out that we afirm that the luggage we carry has not been out of our possession..yet the screeners force that situation....things could be placed in or removed from our bags..
I would never go into a room alone with anyone..I would ask for a supervisor.
Thanks for the heads up on the luggage. I"ll make sure to grab mine before they search me (and I'm sure I'll be evenutally.) And I would also request two people in the search room, women.