How did Arizona v. Gant change search policies related to arrest?

The correct answer highlights how Arizona v. Gant established clear limitations on the scope of vehicle searches following an arrest. The ruling clarified that law enforcement officers are permitted to conduct a warrantless search of a vehicle only if it is reasonable to believe that evidence related to the arrest may be found in the vehicle. This means that searches of vehicles after an occupant has been arrested must be directly connected to the circumstances of the arrest.

Prior to this ruling, there was greater latitude for officers to search vehicles without specific justification, which sometimes led to overly broad search practices. The decision in Gant emphasized the importance of balancing law enforcement's need to ensure officer safety and prevent destruction of evidence with individuals' rights against unreasonable searches. As a result, searches must now be justified based on a connection to the arrest rather than conducted indiscriminately. This case effectively reformed search policies by providing a more defined standard for when such searches are permissible.