THE POLICE WANT TO ENTER MY HOME. WHAT DO I SAY?

Reduce Risk

Stay calm.

Stay in control.

Don’t resist. Don’t obstruct. DON’T RUN.

Keep your hands visible. 

Ask before making any movements. 

Your Rights

Do not invite the officer into your home. 

You do not have to let them in the house unless they can show you a warrant signed by a judge that lists your address as the place to be searched or that has your name on it as the person to be arrested. 

You have the right to remain silent.

You do not have to answer any questions about who owns the home or who lives there.  

Exercise your right to remain silent.

Do not consent to let the officer search your home.

Ask for a lawyer immediately upon your arrest. 

The Script

  1. Do you have a warrant to search or arrest and is it signed by a judge?
  2. May I see the warrant? Please slide it under the door or hold it up to the window.
  3. Read the warrant to make sure it has your name and address on it.
  4. If you do not have a warrant, I do not consent to you entering my home.
  5. I am exercising my right to remain silent and not answer any of your questions. 
  6. I do not consent to you searching my home.
  7. If you do not have a warrant, I ask that you leave my property.  
  8. If I am being arrested, I would like to have a lawyer present before you ask me any questions.

* If the police do not have a warrant and/or forcibly enter your home without consent, do not stop or obstruct them. Remember you can file a complaint or lawsuit later.