What is a Protective Sweep?

A Protective Sweep is defined as a brief search for individuals in a building, typically conducted by law enforcement officers when they have reasonable suspicion that there may be people present who could pose a threat to their safety or hinder an ongoing investigation. This type of search is conducted in a limited scope, focusing primarily on areas that are readily accessible and likely to harbor individuals who could be armed or dangerous.

In this context, option B accurately describes the essence of a Protective Sweep, as it highlights the search's primary objective to quickly assess whether there are individuals present who could impact the safety of officers or the progress of an investigation. It is crucial for officers to ensure their safety as well as the safety of others present.

The other choices misinterpret the nature of a Protective Sweep: an investigation of the property, for instance, suggests a more thorough examination that goes beyond just ensuring no one is present, while a comprehensive check for evidence implies a focus on gathering proof of a crime rather than ensuring safety. Unauthorized entry is also not part of a Protective Sweep, as these searches are typically conducted with legal justification or in response to exigent circumstances, making sure that officers are operating within the bounds of the law.