It is entirely reasonable for an arresting officer to search for and seize any evidence on an arrestee's person to prevent its concealment or destruction.

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This principle is known as the "search incident to arrest" doctrine and is widely recognized by courts in the United States. It allows officers to search an arrestee's person and any objects within their immediate control (such as a purse or backpack) to ensure officer safety and prevent the destruction of evidence. However, the scope of the search must be reasonable based on the circumstances of the arrest, and officers cannot conduct a search solely for the purpose of gathering evidence unrelated to the arrest.

It Is Entirely Reasonable for an Arresting Officer to Search