During a search incident to arrest, which areas may be searched?

In the context of a search incident to arrest, the law allows for the search of both the arrestee and the areas within their immediate control, often described as an arm's reach or wingspan. This principle is rooted in the need for officer safety and the preservation of evidence. When an individual is lawfully arrested, the rationale is that they might access weapons or destroy evidence if not adequately searched.

This means that the police can search the individual, including their clothing and any belongings they have on them at the time of arrest. Moreover, they can also search areas within the arrestee's wingspan—encompassing a space that would allow the person to reach for any potential weapons or conceal evidence.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the scope of a search incident to arrest. For example, only searching a lockbox in the car would be too limited, as it does not consider the broader areas around the individual. The entire premises cannot be searched unless there is probable cause or a separate warrant. Likewise, limiting the search to only outer clothing disregards the necessity to check for items within a broader reach that may pose a risk or be significant to the investigation. Thus, the correct and comprehensive approach to a search incident to arrest is