Call or Text Us Today! (928) 753-6868

Legal News

What To Do When Law Enforcement Knocks At Your Door

Posted by Shawn B. Hamp | Oct 06, 2020 | 4 Comments


In the American criminal justice system, there is a long and solemn tradition of respecting the privacy of a person's home. Law enforcement agents are not allowed to enter your home to conduct a search or make an arrest unless they have a valid warrant. At least, that's the general rule. However, police officers have found a way to get around the warrant rule with a technique known as “knock and talk.” It works like this: Law enforcement agents approach a residence, knock on the front door, and engage the person who answers the door in conversation, hoping to gain entry and find evidence of criminal activity. Unfortunately, for many citizens, this technique is often successful.

If law enforcement knocks on your door, you have to understand what is really happening – what is the motive for the visit – and know how to respond. First, let's review the fundamentals:

What is “knock and talk”?

“Knock and talk” is an investigative technique; it is not an opportunity for a friendly chat or a meet-and-greet or community building. 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.

Why do police use this technique?

There are two primary reasons officers rely on knock and talk. First, obtaining a warrant is time-consuming and requires the officers to demonstrate “probable cause” to believe they will find evidence of illegal activity. The knock and talk technique allow officers to quickly and independently pursue their suspicions. Second, knock and talk is often used because it is often successful.

If law enforcement knocks on your door, you have to understand what is really happening – what is the motive for the visit – and know how to respond.

Why Is This Technique Often Successful?

This technique often is successful because the average citizen is generally unfamiliar with his rights, and even those citizens who know their rights may be intimidated by the apparent authority of an officer and his badge. Consequently, many people will provide investigators with crucial evidence by making voluntary statements and by allowing officers to enter and search, simply because they are afraid to say “no” or don't know that they have the right to say “no.”

Moreover, sometimes just getting close to home is enough for the police; evidence of criminal conduct can sometimes be seen, heard, or smelled from areas immediately outside the home, like the front porch.

Are there any restrictions on this technique?

Yes. Police officers are members of the public, and, like anyone else, they are allowed to approach the front door of a residence in order to attempt to speak with the persons inside. However, the underlying premise of knock and talk is that it is a “consensual” encounter. Thus, the police must behave reasonably during a knock and talk. The officers' actions may be deemed unreasonable and, therefore, unlawful, if, for example, they:

• Arrive at odd hours;

• Bring numerous other officers for backup;

• Display their weapons;

• Make threatening and/or coercive statements;

• Stay on your property for long periods of time; or

• Attempt to enter or search areas around the outside of your home that a member of the general public wouldn't feel welcome to see.

What is the goal of knock and talk?

Generally speaking, the goal of knock and talk is to make an end-run around the warrant requirement. More specifically, the officers' goals in conducting a knock and talk are:

• To see inside the residence. Officers will try to peer inside the open door and uncovered windows in the hopes of viewing, hearing, or smelling evidence of illegal activity.

• To question the occupants, in the hope that they will voluntarily provide admissions and evidence of illegal activity.

• To obtain consent to enter the home and search the premises without a warrant.

• To find evidence of illegal activity and/or make an arrest, thus justifying their initial suspicions.

What should I do if law enforcement knocks at the door?

If the police knock on your door, you do not have to open the door or communicate with the officers in any way. If you choose to open the door, know your rights, and assert them:

• Step outside and close the door behind you.

• Ask to see a warrant. If the police have a warrant, take these specific steps. [Link to Action List: When Law Enforcement is at the Door with a Search Warrant.]

• Do not answer any questions.

• Do not consent to the officers entering your home or conducting a search of any kind. Tell the officers, “I would like to help you. I have done nothing wrong, but my lawyer has advised me never to answer questions or consent to a search unless my lawyer is present.” Do not be rude, but be clear and firm.

• Go back inside your home and call your criminal defense lawyer.

If the police try to force their way into your home, comply with their orders, and do not resist. It is far better to fight this illegal activity in the courtroom than in your living room. Pay attention to what is happening around you, and report all details of the incident to your lawyer.

What should I do if I can't say no and the officers enter my home?

No doubt about it -- when law enforcement officers show up at your door, it is hard to turn them away. If, for whatever reason, you or another occupant of your home allows officers to enter, tell the officers exactly where they are allowed to be. When the officers do not have a warrant, you have the right to limit the scope of their activity. For example, tell the officers, “You may come inside, but you must stay in the hallway. I do not give permission for you to go anywhere else in the home, and I do not consent to a search.” Call your criminal defense attorney right away.

Is there any way to keep the police off my property?

You may be able to avoid unwanted encounters with the police if you clearly mark your property as restricted to the public. Construct a fence with a locking gate—Post “no trespassing” signs. Make sure your windows have curtains or blinds, so you don't unwittingly invite the police (or neighbors or passersby) to look into your home. In addition, educate all residents and guests of your home that they are not to invite in law enforcement agents and must never consent to a search. Call your criminal defense attorney the moment you become aware that the police are trying to make contact with you or entry onto your property.

About the Author

Shawn B. Hamp

President and lead counsel for The Hamp Law Offices, LLC (An Arizona Professional Corporation), Shawn Hamp has practiced law for more than 15 years with an emphasis in criminal law. An experienced trial attorney, Mr. Hamp has been lead counsel in hundreds of criminal trials and court...

Comments

Brandy Spence Reply

Posted Nov 25, 2022 at 20:13:57

Do police have to have there hats on when knocking on your door and talking may I ask

Shawn B. Hamp Reply

Posted Nov 28, 2022 at 06:17:33

Great question.

When police conduct a search warrant, they have to “Knock and Announce” that they are conducting a search and identify themselves as police.

That is why police wear identifying clothing when conducting a search. For example, jackets or vests that say “POLICE” or some other agency name on their clothing. Some officers will wear a hat also that identifies as such, but to my knowledge, wearing a hat is not required.

The “Knock and Announce” is a requirement under the 4th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution to ensure that the search is lawful and reasonable. This helps reduce the confrontation and tension when the police do conduct a raid or search.

Leona Travis Reply

Posted Oct 22, 2023 at 23:30:49

The police came to my house @ 4am in the mornings. They pounded!!!on every outside wall of my house they rang the doorbell continuously. I thought it was my son’s girlfriend who I had an argument with the night before. They never announced that they were the police. They left and then returned. I met them outside and they told me they were doing a wellness check and had to see my son. I wouldn’t let them in the house.Then they decided to tell me they had a warrant. They scared me by the way they executed their warrant.They even tried my door handle

Shawn B. Hamp Reply

Posted Oct 23, 2023 at 05:33:11

I am sorry you went through that. The police always need a warrant to enter your home. Bottom line whether they are executing a search warrant or arresting someone.

Leave a Comment

Contact Us Today

If you have been arrested or charged with a crime, you may be feeling frightened, anxious, and uncertain of what your future holds. The competent and experienced attorneys at the Hamp Law Offices can help you during this difficult time. We are dedicated to fighting for the rights of our clients and providing excellent legal representation to those who have been accused of a crime. Contact our firm today to discuss your case.

Menu