Do I Have to Answer The Front Door if a Police Officer Knocks?

So, you hear someone knocking on the front door.

You peer out the window, and…. it’s the police.

Here’s the deal: they have some questions for you.

But, you only have one question…

Is it illegal to not answer your front door if a police officer knocks?

Let’s find out!

Do I have To Answer the Door When Police Officers Knock?

Look, sooner or later, almost all of us will hear a knock at the door from a police officer. Maybe it’s a complaint from a neighbor, a neighborhood safety check, or just a curious officer.

Whatever the reason that there is an officer at your front door, the simple answer is no. No, you do not have to answer the door.

In fact, unless the officer has a warrant, or a very good reason to suspect there is a crime taking place. There is no reason for police officers to enter your home either.

You are certainly allowed to ignore a police officer’s presence at your door.

HOWEVER…..

That is not to say they won’t open the door for you if they need to get in.

If you don’t want a broken door, evaluate your situation accordingly.

If it is something like a noise complaint, may lead to the police getting a warrant. Which may make things worse.

Should You Answer the Door for Police Officers?

Whether you answer the door for a police officer, or not, is entirely up to you. As far as the law is concerned, it is not illegal for you to ignore police knocking at your door.

But, there may be circumstances when it is simply a better option to answer the door and see what the officer is knocking for. There. may be some circumstances in which talking to a police officer can stop things from escalating even further.

As Jeff Lewis Graduate at Florida Coastal School of Law explains on Quora:

No, unless they have a warrant to search the premise, are there to serve a warrant on a resident of the home, or have extingent circumstances to enter (I.e. they were in “hot pursuit” of a suspect they visually saw enter your home), you are not legally required to open the door. The vast majority of police contact when they're knocking on your door usually has to do with them combing an area to search for witnesses to a crime that has been commuted, not because anyone in the house has done anything wrong. But something important to keep in mind. One reason a police officer does knock on a person’s door is the part of the job every police officer hates the most, doing a serious injury or death notification of a person living at the home or close relative of someone living at the home. So just because you may not legally be required to open the door for them, having the courtesy to do so may in some cases be far more advantageous to you than it is to them. Just something to consider.

Also, bear in mind that it is not unreasonable to assume that the person at your door may just be dressed as a police officer. Anyone can get their hands on a police uniform and pretend to be an officer on duty.

In the end, it really depends on your individual circumstances. You have to decide what is right for you. But, if you do answer the door, you should also know you don’t have to, nor do you have to let the police in your home!

Your Home is Protected from Searches from Police

It’s true, the Supreme Court of the US has ruled time and time again that: your home should be protected from searches and the government to the fullest extent. And, it’s no secret that the 4th amendment protects us from unwarranted searches and seizures.

John Lee of University of Southern California had this to say on Quora:

The US Supreme Court has observed and ruled that a man’s house however humble is his castle. Therefore, no warrant no entry absent an bonafide emergency, I.e., raging fire, screams of an assault victim. In some jurisdictions the warrant is restricted itself by the hours that it may be served, traditionally, between sunrise and sunset. Night time warrant executions are the exception and must appear on the face of the warrant. The warrant must be shown to the persons subject to the warrant. If you're not home it must still be shown to whomever is occupying the premises and a copy is to be left behind if no one answers.

However, opening the door and letting the police in your home can: open you up to an unwanted, and even unwarranted, search of your home.

There are also a few other specific reasons police may be allowed to search your home.

5 specific circumstances when police are allowed to search your home:

When You Consent to a Search– If you, or a roommate, do open the door for an officer and let them inside, it is quite easy for them to have you “consent” to a search. Remember: implied consent is still consent.
Warrant– This is the most commonly known method a police officer can use to enter your home.
Something is in Plain View- If the officer sees illegal activities, or items, from where he stands, he may “invite” himself inside.
After an Arrest– Immediately after an arrest, police officers can search for evidence or accomplices. If you are arrested at home, officers can search your home.
During an Emergency– If police officers are in pursuit of a suspect, or if there is an emergency, officers can search your home as part of their investigation.

Answering the Door for a Police Officer

In conclusion, you are absolutely within your rights to ignore an officer knocking on the door. Whether you do answer or not is up to you. But if you do open the door, remember that you do not have to let them inside, and you likely shouldn’t.

Whether the police are just doing a routine neighborhood safety inspection, showing up on a noise complaint, or investigating a crime, remember that you have rights. Most specifically, you have a right not to answer the door when police come knocking.

Though it is not something we often think about, it is important to research police interactions ahead of time.

Knowing how to act around, and with, police officers can save you a world of legal hassle, and may even save you your life. There is no simple answer when it comes to police interactions.

In the end, it is up to you to study so you can make an informed decision.

If you are in legal trouble you can:

Learn How to Win in Court on your own
Work with a Public Defender
Or Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney

And, whether you are looking for criminal defense attorneys in Virginia Beach, VA, or a lawyer in Greenville, NC. if you are looking for criminal defense attorneys near you, you can find one at HealingLaw.com.