A warrantless search of an arrested individual conducted to ensure the safety of the arresting officer is permitted:

• A. Search incident to arrest
• B. Consent search
• C. Vehicle search
• D. Protective sweep

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is that after an arrest, officers may conduct a warrantless search of the arrestee and the area within the arrestee’s immediate control to protect officer safety and prevent the destruction of evidence. This is known as a search incident to arrest. The scope is limited to the person and the surroundings the arrestee could reach at the time of arrest, such as pockets, clothing, and items within arm’s reach. This allows officers to check for weapons and to seize any items that could be used to escape or to destroy evidence, all without a warrant.

That’s why this option is the best choice: it directly matches the scenario of a warrantless search conducted to ensure officer safety during or immediately after an arrest. The other options don’t fit this specific scenario: a consent search relies on the arrestee’s voluntary permission, a vehicle search involves the vehicle (a separate context), and a protective sweep is a quick check of the surrounding area for other people who might pose a threat, not a search of the arrestee’s person and immediate possessions.