A ______ is only allowed when there is a reasonable belief, based on specific and articulable facts, that the area to be entered harbors a person who poses danger or could destroy evidence.

• A. Protective Sweep
• B. Search Warrant
• C. Probable Cause
• D. Plain View Doctrine

Answer: (A)

Protective sweep is a brief, limited search of areas immediately adjoining a location to ensure officer safety and prevent the destruction of evidence when there is a reasonable belief, based on specific and articulable facts, that a dangerous person may be present or could be hiding and pose a threat. The emphasis is on safeguarding everyone and limiting the search to places where a person could reasonably be hidden. This fits the scenario described because it focuses on quickly checking for a potential armed or dangerous individual or someone who might destroy evidence, rather than conducting a full search of the premises.

A search warrant would require a magistrate and probable cause for broader exploration; the plain view doctrine involves seizing items plainly observable during a lawful intrusion, not a targeted, safety-driven sweep.