When dealing with police, it is always important to understand your rights. This includes your rights when they come to your doorstep. Many people feel like they must do as police say even on their own property, but is that the case?
When police show up, you need to understand what they can and cannot ask for from you. This will help you protect your rights.
Knocking without a warrant
Flex Your Rights examines what you can do if police ever knock at your door. First, know that police cannot enter your house without a warrant. They must obtain a warrant issued by a judge and show it to you if they expect you to let them in. But what can you do if they insist on entering?
If you feel unsafe, you can answer the door by stepping outside and closing it behind you. You can also exit through another door in the home and greet them outside that way. You can speak to them through a chain lock, if you have one. You can even refuse to answer the door entirely, and they will eventually leave.
Are there exceptions?
There are few exceptions. For example, if an emergency is happening, they may enter without warning. But the biggest exception is if you invite them into your home. Thus, in order to get you to do that, officers may resort to a number of misleading and potentially untruthful techniques.
After you get police to leave, you may want to contact legal help. They can aid you when moving forward if you believe the police might continue to cause you problems.