Under what circumstances can police search an arrestee's phone?

The correct choice recognizes the legal framework established by the Supreme Court regarding searches of a person's phone following an arrest, primarily based on the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.

A police officer is allowed to search an arrestee's phone under two main circumstances: if they have obtained a warrant specifically for that device or if exigent circumstances exist that justify a warrantless search. A warrant is necessary due to the vast amount of personal information contained within a phone, which requires a higher level of privacy protection compared to physical items that might be found during a traditional search.

Exigent circumstances might include situations where there is an immediate need to access information on the phone, such as preventing the destruction of evidence or protecting officer safety or public safety. In the absence of a warrant or exigent circumstances, searching a phone could be deemed unreasonable and potentially lead to the exclusion of any evidence obtained during that search.

The other options do not accurately reflect the legal standards established by case law. Searching solely based on consent or a general search warrant does not take into account the specific legal protections surrounding mobile devices, and the idea of unlimited searches would violate constitutional protections. Thus, the necessity for either a warrant or exigent circumstances highlights the need for a balanced