Under Connecticut law, when may an officer force entry into another person's premises to arrest a suspect?

• A. If there is reason to believe someone may be harmed, or evidence may be destroyed, or the suspect will escape, or with a search warrant.
• B. Only with consent from the occupant.
• C. Only if the occupant is absent.
• D. Never; force entry is prohibited.

Answer: (B)

The main idea tested is that entering a private residence to arrest someone generally requires the occupant’s consent. The home is protected space, so without permission—or a warrant or an urgent emergency—the officer’s forceful entry isn’t normally lawful. In this context, consent from the occupant is the standard that allows entry to make the arrest. If consent is given, the officer may enter and arrest inside. If consent isn’t given, a warrant or a clearly established exigent circumstance would usually be needed to justify entering without consent. The other options describe exceptions or alternative authorities (like warrants or emergencies) that are not the focus of this item, and the notion that entry could never be allowed isn’t correct because there are recognized exceptions in real practice.