What does a lawful custodial arrest allow in terms of searching the arrestee?

A lawful custodial arrest provides the authority to conduct a search of both the individual being arrested and the immediate area within their control. This principle is grounded in the need for police to ensure the safety of officers and to prevent the destruction of evidence.

When someone is arrested, officers are permitted to search the arrestee to remove any weapons or contraband that could pose a danger or risk of escape. Additionally, they can search the area within the arrestee's reach—commonly referred to as the "immediate control area." This may include items the individual could access or manipulate, ensuring that any potential items that could aid in escape or harm are secured.

This approach is reinforced by the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Chimel v. California, which set the standard that searches incident to lawful arrests are permissible within these constraints. The other options presented would limit the scope of the search unduly or misapply the legal standards regarding searches incident to an arrest.