It’s late. There’s a knock at the door. You open it a crack, and suddenly there’s a boot wedged between your door and the frame. One wrong move, and you’re being charged with assaulting an officer. Sound far-fetched? It’s not.
In just five minutes, you can learn the words and moves that help keep you safe, keep the cops outside, and—most importantly—keep you out of jail.
Hi, I’m Marc Lopez—former prosecutor turned defender of the people. Let’s talk about what to do when the police come knocking.
Rule #1: Don’t Open the Door Blind
We’re all conditioned to open the door when someone knocks. It feels polite. It feels normal. It’s also a terrible idea.
You don’t know who’s on the other side. Maybe it’s a cop. Maybe it’s not. Maybe it’s someone with bad intentions. If you have a Ring camera, use it. If you’ve got a peephole or a side window, that works too. But do not open the door blind.
Legally, you have no duty to open the door if someone knocks. If you didn’t call 911, you’re not obligated to talk to anyone. In fact, refusing to answer might be your smartest move of the day.
Rule #2: If You Answer, Crack It—Don’t Swing It Open
Decide to open the door anyway? Just crack it. A chain lock helps. Keep your body behind the door and your hands at your sides. Why? Because any sudden movement gives the officer an excuse to say they felt “threatened.”
Your script is simple:
“Officer, how can I help you?”
That’s it. Be polite. Be calm. Keep it short.
Chances are, the officer will ask:
“Would you mind stepping outside?”
Your response should be:
“I’m comfortable speaking right here.”
The moment you step outside, you give up the legal protections your home provides. Stay inside. Keep your power.
Rule #3: Use Words—Not Force
Let’s say the officer wedges a foot or hand in your door. That’s not supposed to happen. Indiana courts have made it clear that officers aren’t allowed to physically prevent you from closing your door during a so-called “knock and talk.”
But here’s the catch—if you shove the door and hurt the officer, you might get arrested. Sure, you might win in court later. But you’ll spend the night in jail. And maybe longer.
Instead, step back and speak clearly:
“I do not consent to entry or search. I invoke my Fifth Amendment right to remain silent.”
That’s it. Say no more.
Rule #4: If They Claim to Have a Warrant, Ask to See It
If the officer says they have a warrant, ask to see it through the crack, or have them slide it under the door.
Here’s the tricky part: Indiana does not require officers to show the actual warrant. That’s right—even though we’re big fans of freedom in this state, our laws don’t require personal presentation of a search warrant.
Still, good officers usually show it before breaking down a door. If they do, grab your phone and say:
“I do not consent beyond the scope of the warrant.”
Say it out loud, and make sure it’s recorded. This way, the police can’t claim you invited them in or allowed them to search more than the warrant authorized.
Rule #5: Record Everything
If you can safely do so, record every interaction with the police.
Don’t dig into your pockets suddenly. If your phone isn’t in your hand, shout:
“Hey Siri, record!”
Law enforcement gets a lot of leeway when they claim to feel “scared.” A video can be the best defense you’ve got.
If they’re inside your house with a warrant—or claiming there’s an emergency—record. Record. Record. You can’t go wrong. It’s your house. It’s your right.
Final Recap: Stay Smart, Stay Safe
- Look first. Never open the door blind.
- Answer maybe. If you do, crack the door.
- Keep your hands visible.
- Don’t step outside.
- Use clear, non-aggressive language.
- Ask to see the warrant.
- Say: “I do not consent beyond the scope of the warrant.”
- Record the interaction.
- Teach your kids the same.
If you’re in Indiana and have questions about your Fourth Amendment rights—or you’re dealing with the fallout of a police encounter—call the Marc Lopez Law Firm at 317-632-3642 and no matter what—always plead the Fifth.
