Just wondering how the numerous security checks for automobiles and people at buildings, malls and other public and private establishments actually improve security.

For the most part, in the current way they're being handled, I think they're a big waste of time and money.

True, security checks on automobiles' trunks/baggage compartments will deter would-be perpetrators from putting a bomb in plainsight, but what happens if he puts it inside the car, like the engine, in the glove box, under the seat, in a bag inside the car, or anywhere in plainsight inside the car? Will a bomb/substance-sniffing dog be able to detect that from just opening the trunk?

And what do these 'security' guards/inspectors actually expect to see inside a trunk to identify a bomb? Sticks of dynamite with 'TNT' written on them? A big, black, round object with a cotton string sticking out of it, and 'ACME' written on it? And wouldn't real terrorists do better to conceal such bomb components well enough so that you just don't see it?

About inspection on your person, so they have metal detectors. But when do metal detectors actual detect a concealed weapon or the like? These detectors virtually beep each time they're run on a person. Is it because the person doesn't look suspicious, thus whatever's beeping is just some loose coins? Or if he does look suspicious, a more thorough body search follows?

Oh, and that inspector's stick that pokes through bags or purses. Does it have some sort of a metal detector or camera in it? How can you tell that the bag or purse is actually safe by just looking at the top inside or perhaps bottom part?

If these are how "security" checks are done, they forget about it, they're just a big waste of time and effort. Whoever's in charge might as well take them away, or make them more stringent.