If you hear a knock at the door and realize it is the police, it’s crucial not to panic. While they are there for a reason, being there does not mean they have anything on you. They might just be fishing for evidence.
If you open the door and let them in or answer their questions, they are much more likely to walk away with what they were looking for. That could include you in handcuffs.
The police cannot enter without permission
If you give the police permission, they can enter. They can do the same if they hold a valid warrant. Otherwise, there would need to be extenuating circumstances, such as they believe a crime is being committed inside as they stand outside or that someone inside is destroying criminal evidence.
They might try to trick you into letting them enter
If the officers ask if you mind if they come inside, it is usually best to say you do mind and keep the door shut. Even if it is pouring with rain, leave them outside.
If they tell you they have a warrant, don’t assume they are telling the truth. Ask to see it and check the details are correct and that it has a judge’s signature.
Don’t talk much
The police are trained to talk to people in a way that gets information out of them. There is no such thing as friendly questions – they all have a purpose. You are not obliged to answer, so why risk saying the wrong thing that could leave you facing criminal charges?
If you want to talk to someone when the police are at your door, make it a legal professional. They can advise you on how to handle what can be a difficult situation.