May 1, 2009
Can police enter a locked house? If so, how?
Envirogal612 asked:
An idiot friend of mine decided it would be funny to tell my parents I'm suicidal (Untrue, by the way, he's just an ass) and my parents (Whom I am estranged from) called the cops. In Florida (The state I live in), there is a law called the Baker Act which says that the police can enter my home if they believe I pose a danger to myself. However, I keep my doors locked at all times. (Nasty neighborhood, this is).
An idiot friend of mine decided it would be funny to tell my parents I'm suicidal (Untrue, by the way, he's just an ass) and my parents (Whom I am estranged from) called the cops. In Florida (The state I live in), there is a law called the Baker Act which says that the police can enter my home if they believe I pose a danger to myself. However, I keep my doors locked at all times. (Nasty neighborhood, this is).
So, my question is, can the cops enter my locked house? If so, how would it be done – breaking the doors/windows, or bringing in a locksmith?
Thanks. Forewarning – all judgemental idiots need not answer. I'm looking for straight-up answers to the question at hand, not self-righteous bullshit.
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Comments on Can police enter a locked house? If so, how? »
Yes the cops can enter. They will try to get someone with a key which I am sure they can find.
I imagine that first off they'd knock on your door and see if you answered. They CAN enter your house, but it seems rather unlikely that they'd go knocking down doors to just check up on you.
After that, yeah, they'd probably ask neighbours for a key.
Sure why not
i would assume they opt for the easiest entrance. perhaps a window, perhaps the door. through the walls at times.
Cops usually knock or rig doorbell to check on someone. If no one answers that walk around the house checking windows and door or any place they can see through or may get in. It they believe you are in there…and you are doing harm to yourself…they can kick in a door. They usually pick the easiest….back or side door since they are weaker then the heavy front doors,
If they thought you were inside your home and posing a danger to yourself and/or others, they could knock down the door. However, they would really have to be confident that was the case.
Yes, being a danger to yourself.
the cops can pretty much do what they want.
Yes, the police can enter. As far as how, that would be by the fastest means possible, which may involve breaking down your door. Further, you can and will be forced to go to the hospital for a series of very nasty procedures. How long you are kept usually depends pn your attitude. After all of this, you an be criminally charged with attempted suicide. This also usually depends on your attitude.
Gee. If the Police knocked on my door I would just answer it. That's usually how it works.
Anyway, if the Police believe someone may have injured themselves inside and they can't get you to the door then they could break in. The court would look at the reasonableness of the act. If the Police just said, "Oh well," and walked off and their was someone with a self inflicted wound dieing inside then the Police would be in trouble for not acting.
Most likely a size 11 boot could open the door. If that doesn't work a Hooligan Tool would get the job done.
I would be really ticked off at my friend. Not the Police for this one.
I suggest you head it off by going to the police and tell them that you recieved the information that you described and let them know that you are OK.
Yes, the cops can enter any home they wish to enter. Legally or Illegally (just make up facts). But if you were reported to be suicidal they will do it legally . They will get in anyway they can. The law states that if you tried to kill yourself ,you need to be under psychiatric supervision for a minimum of 7 days.
Yes. They had probable cause to determine that you were a danger to your health.