Inventory searches are lawful only if the arrestee is to be incarcerated or separated from their property. True or false?

• A. Only with consent
• B. False
• C. True
• D. Only with probable cause

Answer: (C)

The key idea here is the inventory search exception to the Fourth Amendment. When someone is arrested and placed in custody, police may inventory the person’s belongings or the property in their immediate control. This isn’t about finding contraband; it’s about protecting the property, preventing theft or loss, and protecting officers during the processing and booking process. The ability to conduct an inventory search relies on the arrestee being in custody or their property being separated from them for safekeeping. If the arrestee will be incarcerated or their property is removed from direct control, an inventory search is permissible. Because that custodial status or separation is present in the scenario, the statement is true.