During an arrest in a residence, a protective sweep may be conducted only in which areas?

During an arrest in a residence, a protective sweep may be conducted only in which areas?

• A. The areas of the home where the officer has a reasonable suspicion a confederate may be lurking.
• B. The entire interior of the home.
• C. Outdoor areas only.
• D. Any area the officer may search without suspicion.

Answer: (A)

A protective sweep after an arrest in a residence is a brief, limited search of areas where a hidden person could be lurking to ensure officer safety. It is allowed only when the officers have reasonable suspicion that another occupant may be present and pose a danger. Because of that standard, the sweep is confined to those specific areas inside the home where a person could reasonably be hiding, and it does not authorize sweeping the entire interior, outdoor spaces, or any area without a suspect-based justification. The goal is to quickly check for danger while preserving the suspect’s rights, and the scope ends as soon as the officer has addressed the safety concern or found no one.

A protective sweep after an arrest in a residence is a brief, limited search of areas where a hidden person could be lurking to ensure officer safety. It is allowed only when the officers have reasonable suspicion that another occupant may be present and pose a danger. Because of that standard, the sweep is confined to those specific areas inside the home where a person could reasonably be hiding, and it does not authorize sweeping the entire interior, outdoor spaces, or any area without a suspect-based justification. The goal is to quickly check for danger while preserving the suspect’s rights, and the scope ends as soon as the officer has addressed the safety concern or found no one.