What type of search involves law enforcement checking items that have been lawfully seized?

An inventory search is conducted by law enforcement to account for items that have been lawfully seized, typically when a person is arrested or when property is impounded. This type of search is essential for ensuring the protection of the property while in police custody, preventing claims of loss or theft, and ensuring officer safety.

When law enforcement officers seize property, they are often required to perform an inventory search to create an official record of the items taken into custody. This process not only helps maintain accountability but also serves to avoid disputes about what items were taken. For instance, if a vehicle is impounded, an inventory search ensures that all contents are documented accurately, which protects both the agency and the owner.

Administrative searches, when conducted, typically serve regulatory purposes rather than dealing specifically with items that have been seized. Consent searches rely on the voluntary agreement of the individual being searched, while searches incident to arrest are directly related to ensuring officer safety and preventing destruction of evidence; those searches do not specifically focus on an inventory of seized items. Thus, the nature and purpose of an inventory search clearly define it as the correct response to the question regarding the examination of lawfully seized items.