Which of the following best describes a protective sweep?

• A. A protective sweep is limited to looking for individuals who may pose a threat based on reasonable suspicion.
• B. It requires a warrant.
• C. It can be conducted without lawful presence.
• D. It targets only contraband.

Answer: (A)

Protective sweeps are about officer safety, implemented when police have a lawful reason to be at a location and want to ensure there isn’t someone else nearby who could pose a threat. The sweep is strictly limited to the areas immediately surrounding the place of arrest where a hiding person could be, and its purpose is to quickly neutralize any danger rather than to gather evidence. The justification rests on reasonable suspicion that a dangerous individual could be present, not on finding contraband or conducting a broad search. Because it’s safety-based and tightly scoped, it does not require a warrant. It’s not about searching for contraband, and it must be tied to a lawful entry or arrest, not conducted without lawful presence.