Your first bit isn't an example of a legal workaround, it's an example of attempted sophistry for illegal behavior. Are you implying that the cops in this case broke the law? I don't think that is clear.
Cops should be able to do what is within the law, and if we don't like that then we should change the laws.
Cops should be able to do what is within the law, and if we don't like that then we should change the laws.