Police visit ( but not for me)

[Calvin]

This happened last year to me What do you think?

Police came to my house looking for the former owner, with an arrest warrent. They only asked for my name, they then asked if I had mail that had name and address on it. For verifacation. I had a wallet with me so I just showed my ID and let them know the person no longer lived here. They were very polite and treated me with respect ( there was 4 of them) I told them what I knew of the guy they were looking for they took the info and went on there way. Total time about 15 min.

would you have done the same thing?

Another thread got me thinking

[LittleRedToyota]

yeah, i would do the same.

but, if i'm not expecting someone, i generally don't answer the door...which brings up another interesting issue...what would the police do if there were no answer?

[doug]

They would leave. They need a search warrant to kick the door down, unless there is a threat inside the house, like a hostage situation. They cannot kick your door down to execute an arrest warrant alone.

Now, if you live in an apartment building, they will just approach the friendly superintendent who will likely voluntarily unlock your door and let them in.

If the police knock on my door, I open it up and ask them what I can do to help them.

[ar15jules]

yeah, i would do the same.

but, if i'm not expecting someone, i generally don't answer the door...which brings up another interesting issue...what would the police do if there were no answer?

They would not enter the house, if that is what you are implying. I am not a mind reader so I can't assume that. They would probably leave. Maybe run the plate of the vehicle in the driveway. Maybe ask the neighbor who lives next door. Maybe sit across from your house in an old bread truck cleverly disguised as a plumbers work vehicle until someone emerged...LOL. Maybe leave a card in the door.
Jules

[LittleRedToyota]

They would not enter the house, if that is what you are implying.

i wasn't implying anything...i just didn't know and was curious.

if i knew it was the police, i would answer the door.

but, i prolly wouldn't know it was the police since i ignore the doorbell unless i am expecting someone.

[ar15jules]

They can not enter the residence by force with an arrest warrant UNLESS it is a felony warrant and they KNOW that the person is in the residence.
Jules

[tourrider]

I have had the police show up 3 different times in the last 7 years.

First two times they were looking for previous owner. He was a home builder and had some shady deals. They asked if I knew where he was. I said I am sure he's in Florida somewhere.

Third time they were looking for my 24yo step daughter for kiting a $5.00 check. I told them she was in the County somewhere. They asked "You don't know?' I said she doesn't tell me anything.


They never asked for my ID, just took my name for their notes.

[Nate]

I would have done the same thing, given them all the info I had that would help them find the guy. Generally the police are trying to do the right thing and keep the public safe. Plus it would prove to any cop anti's that gun owners aren't just nuts looking for a fight. We are on the same side.

[markheck1]

Only thing I would say, is discuss it on the porch......not inside your home....don;t give them a reason to "have a look around"

[MarcS]

Only thing I would say, is discuss it on the porch......not inside your home....don;t give them a reason to "have a look around"

smart move.