Under which circumstance can you not knock and announce?

• A. If there is a risk of harm
• B. If the occupant is away
• C. If the dwelling is a sensitive location
• D. NONE. Always need to knock and announce

Answer: (D)

Knock and announce is the standard protocol when entering a dwelling to execute a search or make an arrest. It gives occupants a chance to comply, reduces the chance of harm, and helps protect both officers and property by avoiding surprise entries.

In this framing, there isn’t a circumstance listed that would permit skipping that announcement. The question treats knock and announce as the required action in all the scenarios presented, so the best answer is that you always knock and announce. (Note: in real practice, there are legal exceptions like exigent circumstances, but those aren’t represented in these options.)