What is the purpose of a protective sweep?

A protective sweep serves a very specific purpose within law enforcement, primarily focusing on ensuring the safety of officers and others during a law enforcement encounter. When officers enter a premises, whether in connection with an arrest or another lawful reason, they may conduct a quick and limited search to determine if anyone else is present who could pose a threat.

This type of sweep is not intended to be an extensive search for evidence related to a crime; rather, it is a precautionary measure that allows law enforcement to ascertain whether there are additional individuals in the location who could potentially interfere with their operations or pose risks to their safety. The scope of a protective sweep is inherently limited and is centered upon the presence of individuals rather than the collection of evidence or the establishment of probable cause for further searches.

Thus, the correct answer emphasizes the safety aspect of law enforcement activities, aligning with the legal principles guiding protective sweeps in terms of officer safety and the permissible scope outlined by court rulings, such as in Maryland v. Buie.