What is the term for a quick search of a location to determine whether other armed persons may be present?

What is the term for a quick search of a location to determine whether other armed persons may be present?

• A. Protective Sweep
• B. Joyce Search Warrant
• C. Trace Evidence
• D. Terry Stop

Answer: (A)

A protective sweep is a quick, limited search of the area surrounding an arrest to check for other armed suspects. It’s done to ensure officer safety when there’s reason to believe others could be hidden in the location, and it stays narrowly focused on spaces where someone could be concealed. This is different from a full search for evidence and from a Terry Stop, which involves detaining and possibly frisking a person rather than sweeping a location. The other terms refer to unrelated concepts.