Simple question for you guys in the industry
Why does there ever need to be an involuntary removal?
Any number of reasons from technical (broken seat) to behavioural (intoxicated passenger) and everything inbetween.
I am curious why security (police) were required for what should have been an operational matter. This situation (which hasn't been fully explained) superficiously seems to be a management failure, and by that I mean how the specific situation was managed. Any experienced pilot or crew member will tell You there are many ways to "skin a cat" and resolve a difficult situation. Dragging a passenger down the aisle by their heels wouldn't be a sensible resolution for most of them, as United are no doubt about to find out.