What area can be searched when a person is arrested?

When a person is arrested, the area that can be searched is typically limited to the immediate surrounding area. This is known as the "grab area" or "immediate area" doctrine, which allows law enforcement officers to search for weapons or evidence that could be within the person's reach at the time of the arrest. This aims to ensure officer safety and prevent the destruction of evidence. The search is justified because the individual might have the ability to access these items and pose a threat or remove evidence.

Searching the entire property, all nearby vehicles, or any previous residences would generally not be permissible under this doctrine without additional probable cause or warrants, as these areas extend beyond the immediate grasp of the arrested individual and would require separate legal justification for a search.