Which term refers to a search conducted without a warrant to locate weapons or evidence at the time of a lawful custodial arrest?

• A. Plain view
• B. Search incident to a lawful arrest
• C. Caretaker function
• D. Inventory search

Answer: (B)

When someone is lawfully arrested and in custody, police may search without a warrant to locate weapons or evidence. This is done to protect officers and to prevent the arrestee from destroying or concealing evidence. The scope is limited to the arrestee and the area within immediate reach or control—the places the person could access at the moment of arrest—often described as the “grab area.” It isn’t a broad house rummage; it’s specifically tied to the arrestee and surrounding space.

Plain view would apply only if an officer lawfully observes an item in plain sight during a legitimate intrusion, not as a general search to find weapons. The caretaker function refers to safeguarding the arrestee’s property during processing, not searching for evidence. An inventory search is conducted to catalog items in police custody for safety and property protection, not to locate weapons or evidence at the time of arrest.