The legal principle permits law enforcement officers to conduct a warrantless search of an individual and the area within that individual’s immediate control during a lawful arrest. This search must be contemporaneous with the arrest. The permissible scope includes the arrestee’s person and any items within reach, such as containers or objects carried by the arrestee. For example, if an individual is lawfully arrested for driving under the influence, officers may search that individual’s pockets and any bags or containers immediately accessible within the vehicle.
This exception to the Fourth Amendment’s warrant requirement balances the individual’s right to privacy with the legitimate need for law enforcement to ensure officer safety, prevent the destruction of evidence, and thwart escape attempts. The authority to search stems directly from the act of placing the individual under arrest. The Supreme Court has established the parameters of this exception through a series of landmark cases, clarifying its scope and limitations to protect individual liberties while recognizing law enforcement’s practical needs.
