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What to do if…
police arrive at your home and you are unsure why

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

Keep the door closed or on the chain, confirm who they are, and ask whether you are under arrest before answering anything substantive or letting anyone in.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t invite officers in just to be polite or because you feel rushed.
  • Don’t start explaining, arguing, guessing, or giving a timeline on the doorstep.
  • Don’t consent to entry or a search unless you clearly understand they are asking for permission and you choose to agree.
  • Don’t sign anything you do not understand.
  • Don’t physically block officers if they say they are entering under a legal power.
  • Don’t lie, guess, or fill silences because you feel put on the spot.
  • Don’t agree to a formal interview just to get the visit over with.

What to do now

  1. Create a safer pause. Keep the door closed, on the chain, or speak through an intercom if you have one. Keep your phone accessible. If someone else is home, ask them to stay nearby and quietly observe.

  2. Confirm identity before you continue. Ask for the officer’s name, collar or warrant number, police force, and station or unit. If you are unsure they are genuine, stop the conversation and call 101 yourself to check. If you feel in immediate danger, call 999.

  3. Ask three plain questions.

    • “Am I under arrest?”
    • “What is this about, in brief?”
    • “Are you asking to come in, or do you say you have a power to enter?”

  4. Keep doorstep answers minimal. If they say they just want to talk, you can say: “I am not going to answer questions at the door. Please tell me what you need from me.” If they ask detailed questions, say: “I want legal advice before answering questions.”

  5. If they ask to come inside, ask what the legal basis is. Ask: “Do you have a warrant?” or “What power are you using to enter?” If they are asking for permission and you do not want to agree, say clearly: “I do not consent to entry or a search.” If they say they are entering anyway, step back, do not physically resist, and note what they said.

  6. If they show paperwork, slow the moment down. Ask to read it, ask what address it covers, what it allows them to do, and note the details you can see. Do not argue at the doorway if they insist the paperwork gives them power to enter.

  7. If they say you are being arrested or detained, switch to rights and safety. Do not resist physically. Ask: “What am I being arrested for?” Say: “I want legal advice.” If you do not have a solicitor, ask for the duty solicitor. Mention urgent essentials only, such as medication, disability needs, children, dependants, pets, or an immediate medical concern.

  8. If they ask you to attend a voluntary interview, do not arrange it in a rush. Ask for the officer’s details, the station, the reason in brief, whether it is under caution, and proposed times in writing if possible. Say: “I want legal advice before agreeing to an interview time.” A voluntary interview can still be serious, even if you have not been arrested.

  9. Make a simple record as soon as you can. Write down the date, time, names, collar or warrant numbers, force, what they asked for, whether they asked to enter, whether you refused consent, and any paperwork shown.

What can wait

  • You do not need to give your full explanation now.
  • You do not need to decide whether you have done anything wrong.
  • You do not need to consent to entry or a search just to reduce awkwardness.
  • You do not need to agree to an interview time on the doorstep unless you are told you are not free to leave or refuse.
  • You do not need to tell neighbours, employers, family, or social media about the visit today.

Important reassurance

An unexpected police visit can make anyone feel shaky or pressured. Asking who they are, what they want, and whether you are under arrest is a normal protective response, not an admission of guilt.

Scope note

These are first steps only, to stabilise the situation and avoid rushed decisions at the door. If the situation becomes an arrest, search, seizure, warrant issue, or interview under caution, later decisions may need specialist legal help.

Important note

This guide is general information for the UK and is not legal, medical, financial, therapeutic, or other professional advice. Police powers and procedures differ across the UK, including between England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, so ask for legal advice if officers arrest you, search your home, seize property, ask formal questions, or ask you to attend an interview.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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