What is the purpose of a "protective sweep" performed by officers during an arrest in a home?

A protective sweep is a limited search conducted by law enforcement officers for the purpose of ensuring their safety and the safety of others during an arrest. This practice is justified under the Fourth Amendment, as it allows officers to secure the area within immediate control of the arrested individual when there are reasonable fears that dangerous persons may be present.

The primary goal of a protective sweep is to locate any individuals who may pose a potential threat to the officers or any third parties in the vicinity. This is often necessary in situations where officers have reasonable suspicions that other individuals may be in the home who could pose a risk of harm, such as an accomplice to the suspect or someone else with violent intentions.

The other options reflect different potential actions or considerations of law enforcement but do not align with the specific purpose of a protective sweep. For example, while gathering evidence may be a part of an overall investigation, it is not the primary goal of a protective sweep. Similarly, ensuring a public arrest or checking for stolen property could be relevant in broader law enforcement practices, but they do not pertain specifically to the immediate safety concerns addressed by a protective sweep.