Are you legally obligated to open the door if police knock? What Georgia law says

Someone’s knocking on your door, and it looks like they’re law enforcement.

Could you be in trouble?

Is someone you know in trouble or perhaps hurt?

Are you being framed for something illegal?

Whatever scenario enters your mind, you could be wondering what happens if you just don’t open the door for the officer knocking at your door. Is that even an option? Here’s what to know.

Do you have to open the door if the police knock? Here’s what Georgia law says

You are not legally obligated to open the door for police officers, unless they have a warrant.

Typically, you do not have to open the door for police who are conducting a “knock and talk,” which is an investigative technique that doesn’t involve a warrant.

But there are some scenarios that would make you obligated to open the door and/or let them in your home. Let’s review them:

You are obligated to open the door for a law enforcement officer and let them in your home if they say there are “exigent circumstances.” This means one or more of the following :

• The police need to assist someone inside the home that they believe is in danger;

• The officer is chasing a fleeing suspect who runs into a home; or

• The police are preventing the destruction of evidence.

“Do not argue, resist, run away, interfere with, or obstruct the officer, even if you are innocent or believe the officer is wrong—you can be arrested for it,” said a spokesperson with the American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia .

If you feel uncomfortable at any time an officer is present, you can always ask the officer for identification or a badge number. You can also request a supervisor or file a complaint if you feel your rights have been violated.

Have more questions? Let me know in the comments or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com

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