Legal Definitions - Chimel search

Definition: A type of protective search conducted by law enforcement officers of a detained suspect and the area within the suspect's immediate control, to protect the arresting officer's safety and often to preserve evidence. It can be conducted without a warrant.

Example: If a police officer arrests a suspect, they can conduct a Chimel search of the suspect's person and the area within their immediate control, such as their pockets or a bag they are carrying, to ensure that there are no weapons or other dangerous items that could harm the officer. This type of search is allowed under the Fourth Amendment of the US Constitution, which prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures.

Explanation: The Chimel search is a type of protective search that is conducted to ensure the safety of the arresting officer and to prevent the destruction of evidence. It is based on the Supreme Court case of Chimel v. California, which established that a search incident to an arrest must be limited to the area within the suspect's immediate control. This type of search is allowed without a warrant because it is considered necessary to protect the safety of the officer and to prevent the destruction of evidence.