What to do if…
police ask to enter or look inside your home and you are unsure whether you must agree

What to do now

1. Stay in the safest calm position available. If officers are outside, keep the door closed and speak through it, a window, or an intercom if practical. Keep children and pets away from the doorway and avoid sudden movements.
2. Ask for the officers’ names, agencies, and reason for being there. Ask, “Do you have a warrant?” and “Are you asking for my permission, or are you saying you have legal authority to enter?”
3. If they are asking for permission, say clearly, “I do not consent to entry or any search.” Do not open the door or sign a consent form merely because they continue asking.
4. If they say they have a warrant, ask them to hold it against a window, slide a copy under the door, or otherwise let you view it without opening the door if possible. Check the address, whether it is a search or arrest warrant, the person or places described, the items listed, and the issuing court.
5. If officers say there is an emergency or enter despite your refusal, state once, “I do not consent, and I object to this search.” Do not physically interfere. Follow immediate safety directions and say that you do not want to answer questions before speaking with a lawyer.
6. Ask whether you may observe from a safe location. Note officers’ names or badge numbers, what they said, where they searched, and anything taken or damaged without moving around the search area or obstructing them.
7. Ask for a copy of any warrant and a receipt or inventory for property taken. Procedures can vary between federal, state, and local searches, so keep whatever documents officers provide.
8. As soon as the encounter has ended and it is safe, write down the time and sequence of events and photograph any damage. Contact a criminal defense lawyer promptly if officers entered, searched, seized property, questioned you as a suspect, or arrested anyone.