Which of the following is an example of “search incident to arrest”?

The concept of "search incident to arrest" allows law enforcement officers to conduct a search of an arrestee's immediate surroundings once an arrest has been made. This is permissible to ensure officer safety, prevent the destruction of evidence, and secure any weapons that could be used against the officers.

The correct answer highlights the principle that officers are authorized to search areas within the arrestee's immediate reach at the moment of the arrest. This may include pockets, bags, or other items that the individual could access and potentially use to harm someone or hide evidence. The key point is that this search is directly linked to the act of arrest, focusing on ensuring the safety of the officers and the integrity of the evidence.

The other options do not embody the principle of "search incident to arrest" as effectively or may involve scenarios that lack the requisite legal justification. For instance, searching a parked vehicle without permission or only searching through a vehicle with consent suggests a need for probable cause or consent rather than the allowance that comes with a valid arrest. Searching a suspect's backpack could be permissible but only if it falls within the immediate reach or control of the suspect at the time of the arrest.