Protective sweeps for persons in a home include sweeps of closets and spaces immediately adjoining the place of the arrest. True or False?

Protective sweeps for persons in a home include sweeps of closets and spaces immediately adjoining the place of the arrest. True or False?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only outdoors
• D. Only unfurnished rooms

Answer: (A)

Protective sweeps are quick, limited checks of areas where a dangerous person could be hiding after a lawful arrest inside a home. They’re allowed when officers have a reasonable belief that others may be present who could pose a threat. Importantly, the sweep can include closets and spaces immediately adjoining the place of arrest because those are the areas where someone could conceivably conceal themselves. The key is that the search is narrow in scope, focused on safety, and not a full-blown search of the entire home. So the statement is true: closets and spaces immediately adjoining the arrest scene can be swept.

Protective sweeps are quick, limited checks of areas where a dangerous person could be hiding after a lawful arrest inside a home. They’re allowed when officers have a reasonable belief that others may be present who could pose a threat. Importantly, the sweep can include closets and spaces immediately adjoining the place of arrest because those are the areas where someone could conceivably conceal themselves. The key is that the search is narrow in scope, focused on safety, and not a full-blown search of the entire home. So the statement is true: closets and spaces immediately adjoining the arrest scene can be swept.