When an arrest is made in a residence, where can the officer search?

The correct answer reflects a key principle of search and seizure law as it applies to arrests. When an officer makes an arrest in a residence, they are permitted to search the surrounding area within the immediate physical control of the person being arrested. This is often referred to as a "search incident to arrest" and is intended to ensure officer safety and prevent the destruction of evidence. This area typically includes the space where the person could reach for a weapon or hide evidence relevant to the arrest.

The rationale behind this limitation is to balance the need for law enforcement to ensure safety and effective apprehension with the rights of individuals in the context of their own homes. While officers have authority to conduct a search, it is constrained to areas immediately accessible to the arrestee at the time of the arrest.

In contrast, the other options suggest broader search scopes. Searching only the person being arrested would not allow for the retrieval of items that might be within reach. Searching the entire residence or only in common areas fails to respect the legal boundaries set to protect private spaces not directly associated with the arrestee’s immediate vicinity. Thus, it is crucial for officers to understand their authority and the limitations of their searches to uphold individual rights while performing their duties effectively.