After arrest, what can you search?

After arrest, what can you search?

• A. Before arrest you can search
• B. After arrest, you can search the arrestee and immediate area
• C. Only with warrant
• D. Only with consent

Answer: (B)

After arrest, you may search the arrestee and the area within the arrestee’s immediate control. This is the search incident to arrest rule, justified to keep officers safe and to preserve evidence. The scope is limited to what the arrestee could reach or impact at the moment of arrest, such as the person’s clothing and nearby surroundings within reach. It does not require a warrant or consent. Searches before arrest aren’t covered by this rule, and broader searches would need a warrant, consent, or additional exigent circumstances.

After arrest, you may search the arrestee and the area within the arrestee’s immediate control. This is the search incident to arrest rule, justified to keep officers safe and to preserve evidence. The scope is limited to what the arrestee could reach or impact at the moment of arrest, such as the person’s clothing and nearby surroundings within reach. It does not require a warrant or consent. Searches before arrest aren’t covered by this rule, and broader searches would need a warrant, consent, or additional exigent circumstances.