If you find the police at your door, it’s unlikely to be good news. Nevertheless, many people open their door when an officer knocks, only to later wish they hadn’t.
If the police are at your door, you are generally under no obligation to open it. Thus, keeping it shut is often the safest policy to avoid them entering and finding something they might use as evidence to accuse you of a crime. This remains true even if you have done nothing wrong.
The police can enter if they have a warrant
If the police have a warrant, they have the right to enter, and probably will, whether you give the permission or not. Opening the door can save you a hefty repair bill. Do make sure you see the warrant first, though. They can hold it up to a window or slide it under the door so you can check it is correctly completed.
The police can open in hot pursuit of a suspect
Let’s say your son’s friend suddenly appeared at the door and asked if they could come in. Minutes later you hear the police banging and realize they were chasing him. If they were doing so because they believe he committed a crime, they probably have the right to follow him into your house.
The police can enter to stop immediate harm
If the officer has good reason to believe someone is about to get hurt they may enter without permission. Seeing something through the window or hearing blood-curdling screams might justify that.
The police can ask for your permission
You can give the police permission if you wish, but beware you don’t give it without meaning to. If they ask to come to use the bathroom or for a quick chat, and you say yes, then they will be inside legally and you may have trouble getting them back out.
Learning more about your rights is wise if an encounter with the police has not gone well.