Which statement about the scope of a search incident to arrest?

• A. It allows a full search of all premises.
• B. It authorizes a search only with a warrant.
• C. It allows a limited search of areas within immediate control to protect safety and preserve evidence.
• D. It only applies to property owners.

Answer: (C)

The main idea tested is the scope of a search incident to arrest: it is tightly limited to the arrestee and the area within the arrestee’s immediate control. This means officers may look only in places the arrestee could reach to grab a weapon or to destroy evidence, in order to protect safety and preserve evidence. It’s not a blanket authorization to rummage through an entire house or premises. The rule exists as an exception to the warrant requirement, so a full search of all premises would typically need a warrant or an exigent circumstance. It also isn’t limited to property owners—the focus is on the arrestee and the spaces within immediate reach, not on who owns the property.