I would ask for ID...but I would feel obligated to open the door..yes. I have nothing to hide, so it wouldn't create fear. Perhaps some anxiety in case they are bringing me bad news!!

It's best not to keep it shut. Either way, they're bound to get what they want. By the way, are the police knocking on your door at this very moment?

It really depends on what they are there for. For the most part, I think you are obligated.

I do not think you have to, but I don't want my door kicked in because I didn't pay my parking fines.

Nope. Not unless they say they have a warrent. I remember in hight school the cops would get so pissed when they came to bust a party, we wouldnt open the door and we made sure all the blinds were shut so they couldnt see in. They couldnt do ne thing. Now were dicks sometimes and ticketed the cars that were parked along the street.

its better to answer the door, because they will just return. maybe there is a death in the family. or they are looking for someone. two cops came to my door looking for someone. they said they had a warrent, but couldnt produce one. then one cop said he had to come in, and his partner gave him a weird look like why are you saying that. i let them in. i was too scared not to. later i learned i didnt have to let them in. now i wonder if i can just avoid answering the door.

No. The police have no right to enter your home without a warrant, so you are not obligated to give them permission to enter, even if they smell something. You have every right to make them seek a warrant. Whether that's the smartest decision is a different question.

This very much depends on where in the world you live and the circumstances. I know of many doors that have been legitimately kicked in by the police, even without a warrant.

Probably out of obligation. Maybe there was a murder/burglary next door and the wanted to talk to you to alert you.. in that case, they don't need a warranty. Knowing that I'm in no wrong, I will open the door for them evertime

I don't. Nothing happened to me.

Well, if you don't I suppose they could break it down and come in with guns drawn...so I'd open the door and talk! :) Happy Saturday! :)

You can pretend not to be home. The only way they can come in without your permission is if they have a court order. Well, if you shoot at them, they can certainly bust your door down and get you. I don't advise that. Usually, if they just knock, they only want your help and want to ask you what you know about something that may have happened. I have only had police knock on my door once and it was to ask if I had seen or heard anything strange in a house on the street. Actually, I had. A lot of people coming in and going out at odd hours. Turned out, it was a crack house, albeit a very "uptown" one.

If the police knock at your door, you do not have to let them in unless there is a signed warrant. Always ask to see the warrant. If it is proper on its face, you must step aside and let them into your home. If it is an arrest warrant, look at the name on the warrant to make certain they have the right person. If it is a search warrant, make sure the address is correct and note what is specifically listed on the warrant to be searched for in your home. If the police do not have a warrant, you do not have to let them in unless they insist. Perhaps you can settle this matter at the door. If they do insist, over your objections, then be careful to: First, ask for a police badge. Second, ask the purpose of entering your home. Third, let them in only after they insist. Fourth, if you object, make sure that the police know that you do not consent to any search of your home. Fifth, remember badge numbers, officer's faces, and the time of day. Write this information down. The police are not required to give you a receipt for property they intend to book as evidence such as stolen goods, guns, etc. However, when property is taken from your home, ask the police for a receipt. The police may also search without a warrant whenever arresting an individual. They may search the individual under arrest, the area near the arrest, and the room where the arrest was made if inside the home. They may also search after consent is given. Police may also search when there is an emergency (for example, someone screaming for help inside your home), or when chasing you or someone else inside your home. http://www.blackpolice.org/stopped.html

No. Treat them just the same as ANYONE else. Unless they have a warrant to search your house they can not force you to open the door. However, if they have a warrant and you do not open the door then they have the right to break in.

Never open the door when police knock...never

No, unless they are aware you are inside the home and were called there. If you are ignoring them, they very well may beat down that door depending on why they are there. If they just are knocking, you should probably open it, see what they want, just do NOT invite them inside. Have a nice chat from the doorway and send them on thier way. You are though, under no obligation to speak to or open a door for anyone, law enforcement or not.

No, but they'll just kick it in if they have reasonable cause to enter. It's probably best to just open the door.

not unless they have a warrent

the police came knocking on my door at 5:30am in the morning because of some neighbor called about loud music. i just ignored the police while they were knocking hard on my door for about 15 minutes, nothing happened and they did not kick in my door. however, they did try to come in by seeing if the door was open. i am glad that it was not unlocked or they would have come in and then made up some crazy excuse for entering without permission. the way that they were beating on my door, it seemed as if they were pretty pissed for not getting an answer. food for thought.

I would open it and talk to them.