What is a key factor that must be satisfied for an inventory search?

Legitimately serving caretaking functions is crucial for an inventory search to be considered lawful. Inventory searches are conducted as part of police protocol when property is lawfully impounded, typically following an arrest. The primary purpose of an inventory search is to document and safeguard the belongings of the individual, not to search for evidence of a crime. This allows law enforcement to ensure that personal items are protected and to avoid claims of theft or loss of property while in police custody.

The basis for this legitimization stems from the need to protect the arrestee's property, as well as the police agency's interests. The search must be conducted according to standardized procedures to prevent arbitrary or unjustified intrusions. Thus, the search must genuinely fulfill a caretaking role rather than being a guise for investigatory purposes.

In contrast, having detailed evidence against the arrestee, requiring a search warrant before the arrest, or maintaining high visibility during the search does not fundamentally establish the legitimacy of inventory searches. These factors may be relevant in other types of searches but do not serve the core function of an inventory search.