NCJ Number
28889
Date Published
1975
Length
0 pages
Annotation
PART OF A TWO-FILM SERIES (SEE NCJ-28890) THIS FILM COVERS THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPLIANCE BY POLICE OFFICERS WITH KNOCK AND NOTICE STATUTES BEFORE EFFECTING A FORCIBLE ENTRY INTO A DWELLING.
Abstract
THE FILM STARTS OUT WITH A CLEAR EXPLANATION OF THE STEPS THAT POLICE OFFICERS MUST TAKE WHEN THEY HAVE REASON TO ENTER A DWELLING TO EFFECT AN ARREST OR EXECUTE A SEARCH WARRANT. TO WIT, THEY MUST: IDENTIFY THEMSELVES AS POLICE OFFICERS; DEMAND ADMITTANCE; AND, EXPLAIN THEIR PURPOSE. ONLY AFTER THEIR DEMAND FOR ADMITTANCE IS REFUSED, BY ACTION OR INACTION, MAY THEY FORCIBLY ENTER. IN ADDITION, IF THE OFFICER WANTS TO ENTER IN ORDER TO MAKE AN ARREST, HE MUST HAVE A REASONABLE BELIEF THAT THE SUSPECT IS PRESENT IN ORDER TO FORCE ENTRY AFTER KNOCKING AND ANNOUNCING. THESE PROCEDURES MAY SEEM SIMPLE ENOUGH TO COMPLY WITH, BUT THERE CAN BE MANY MITIGATING FACTORS, SOME OF WHICH ARE ILLUSTRATED BY VIGNETTES. SOME OF THESE SITUATIONS ARISE WHEN THE DOOR IS OPEN, THE DOOR IS CLOSED BUT UNLOCKED, A CHILD ANSWERS THE DOOR, A PASSKEY IS USED, OR WHEN THE OFFICERS WANT TO ENTER INNER DOORS. A TRAINING MANUAL THAT EXPLAINS THE LAW AND CONTAINS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS ACCOMPANIES THE FILM. (SNI ABSTRACT)