A knock at the front door may indicate that a neighbor needs to borrow some sugar or that someone needs to sign for a package. Sometimes, people answer their front door and discover a police officer waiting outside for them.
That officer may claim to have some questions that they want to ask the residents of the home. Other times, they may want to come inside and conduct a search. What should people do in a scenario in which a police officer wants to gain access to their residence but does not have a warrant on hand when they knock?
Officers ask because they can’t search otherwise
It is natural for people to want to be polite, especially to those in positions of authority. Most people invite police officers inside without a moment’s hesitation. They may later come to regret that choice if the officer spots something that they use as justification or probable cause to continue searching the property.
Seemingly minor details can give police officers the excuse they need to keep searching even after an individual asks them to leave or to arrest occupants of the dwelling unit. If a police officer has to ask to come inside and to search the property, then the chances are good that they do not have the probable cause necessary to search without consent or obtain a warrant.
People are well within their rights to deny police officers access to their residences. If the police officer wants to speak with them, they can do so outside or can ask to answer questions at the police station with an attorney present.
People typically do not have to give police officers access to their homes unless the officers arrive with a warrant. Those who know their rights are less likely to fall victim to the manipulative tactics that officers frequently use during investigations.
Knowing how to respond to a request to search a property can help people avoid unnecessary criminal charges. If police officers conduct an inappropriate search, that can impact the evidence that prosecutors can and cannot use during a trial.
