Which type of search does NOT require a warrant?

The type of search that does not require a warrant is a search incident to arrest. This legal principle allows law enforcement officers to conduct a search of a person and the immediate vicinity of that person at the time of arrest, without needing a warrant. The purpose of this type of search is to ensure officer safety, prevent the destruction of evidence, and secure any items that could be used as weapons.

This authority is grounded in the understanding that once a person is taken into custody, a search performs important practical functions. It allows officers to confirm the arrested individual's possession of potentially dangerous objects and to limit the chance of evidence being destroyed or hidden. For example, if an officer arrests someone on the street, they can search that person and the area within their immediate control to ensure safety and gather evidence related to the offense for which they were arrested.

The other options involve scenarios where a warrant is generally required due to the expectation of privacy. A search of a private residence, for instance, typically requires a warrant unless certain exigent circumstances apply. Similarly, searches of personal belongings and digital devices fall under protections that usually necessitate a warrant, recognizing the individual's right to privacy in those contexts. Thus, a search incident to an arrest stands out as the clear exception to