What are protective sweeps designed for?

Protective sweeps are specifically designed for limited checks for people only, primarily to ensure the safety of law enforcement officers while they are in a location they have the legal authority to enter. This type of sweep allows officers to briefly look for individuals who may pose a threat, typically in the immediate areas adjacent to where they are conducting their official duties, such as an arrest.

The focus of a protective sweep is not to collect evidence or conduct an exhaustive search for items; instead, it is a precautionary measure aimed at quickly assessing the presence of individuals who could potentially ambush officers or otherwise endanger their safety. This is what distinguishes a protective sweep from a standard search, which would involve a more thorough investigation for evidence or contraband.

The other options demonstrate an understanding of searches or evidence collection but do not align with the specific purpose of protective sweeps. Comprehensive evidence collection, inspection of vehicles, and searching for hidden evidence involve different legal standards and may require warrants or probable cause, which are not applicable to the limited scope of a protective sweep.