Officers must do what before entering a dwelling?

• A. Knock and announce
• B. Obtain a warrant
• C. Call for backup
• D. Have a detective review

Answer: (A)

Knock and announce is the standard rule guiding entering a dwelling. Before officers enter, they must knock to announce their presence and purpose, give occupants a reasonable chance to answer, and only then enter. This practice protects people’s privacy and safety, helps reduce the risk of violent confrontations, and minimizes property damage. In most situations, a warrant is the tool that authorizes the entry, but the announcement itself is the normal pre-entry requirement, with exceptions only in clear exigent circumstances (such as imminent danger or the risk of evidence destruction) where entering without announcing might be allowed.