Should you allow police into your home?

In general, the police need a court warrant or your consent to enter and search your home,

UNLESS

They have reasonable grounds to believe that:

• a crime is in progress,

• there is evidence relating to a crime,

• someone is in danger, or

• there is a person suspected of committing a crime in your home.

If they arrest someone on your property, they can search your property without a warrant if they believe it contains evidence of the crime for which the person was arrested.

If you obstruct the police lawful entry into your home when they have the legal authority to be there, this can lead to your arrest and subsequent charges.

So when the police come to your door,

stay calm and be respectful,

and ask whether they have legal authority to enter your home.

If they do not,

you can refuse them entering your home.