Why would a police officer knock on your door?

The officer who knocks on your door is investigating criminal activity, or a suspicion of criminal activity or, perhaps, an anonymous tip. Knock and talk is a way to further this investigation without a warrant.

Who pays for my door if police force entry?

If the police raid search is lawful and the force used was reasonable, proportionate and necessary to gain entry, the occupier of the premises is responsible for any repair bills which result from the police forcing entry.

Who pays for the damage if the police break in?

The police damaged my property, who pays? If the police search an address in error, they must pay to repair any damage which is caused – including damage to a door.

What happens if the police knock on your door?

If the police knock on your door and you didn’t call them or need their assistance, you can simply decline to answer the door. Unless they have a warrant, they will eventually leave.

Should I open the door when I talk to the police?

Still, many people are going to feel like they must open the door to talk to the police. If you decide to open the door you then are creating an opportunity for the police to then claim that by doing so you gave them evidence against you. Maybe they will report that they smelled alcohol on your breath.

Can a police officer come into your house without a warrant?

A police officer doesn’t need a warrant to seize evidence that is “in plain view” when they are ‘legitimately in the area’ where the evidence is first spotted. If the police ask to come into your residence. and you say ‘no you cannot come in’, they are legally prohibited from entering your home.

Can you tell the police to leave through the door?

You are also allowed to tell the police through the door that you aren’t going to talk to them and that they should leave. Many people are uncomfortable with these strategies though because they don’t want to appear rude, and are afraid of challenging authority.