When the police knock on your door

“Police” means an agent(s) from any law enforcement agency regardless of whether they are local, state,
or federal (including the FBI, ATF, or ICE) when they are working as law enforcement, uniformed or not.

“No, you cannot come in.” and IF THEY ARE HERE TO ARREST:
They must have an arrest warrant signed by
IF THEY ARE HERE TO SEARCH:
• Ask if they have a search warrant that is
IF THEY HAVE A SUBPOENA:
Police at your home with a subpoena are NOT
“I do not consent to a search.” a judge no more than ten days old, specifying
someone in this home.
signed by a judge and no more than ten days
old. If they do not have a search warrant:
legally entitled to enter, unless you give them
permission. Unless they have a warrant, they
Keep the outer gate or door chain locked. If you must, • Who is named? You are not required to con- “I do not consent to a search.” cannot come inside to search for anyone or any-
firm whether or not that person is present. thing named in the subpoena. The best way to
step outside and close the door behind you. Better yet, • You may inform them that if they leave a card a
assert they do not have permission is to say,
• If police have a reasonable belief that the per-
speak through the door. lawyer may contact them. You can then ask them to
son named in the warrant is home at the time, “I do not consent to searches.”
leave or simply close the door.
and that it is their residence, they may enter
• If they do have a search warrant: you may ask
without permission to search for the individual.
them to slide it under the door or mail slot.
• They can look in places where a person could Fill in important numbers below. Research the legal re-
• You may want to take a picture of the warrant and sources available in your area. Agree on an anti-repression plan
hide. Anything in plain view that obviously ap-
send it to a lawyer. Signal is a secure and encrypted with those you share this home with! Keep in mind any personal
pears illegal or evidence of a crime may be seized. numbers you put here may be discovered by police.
messaging app for smartphones.
• If an arrest occurs inside, police may more thor-
• You may assert that you wish to consult with a NATIONAL LAWYERS GUILD (NLG) HOTLINE
oughly search the area of the arrested person.
lawyer before consenting to a search. This may not
• If the named person decides to surrender outside
stop them from entering. ________________________________________________
it may limit or prevent a police search inside.
• Before they enter, you may want to shut down
• It is crucial for anyone arrested to fully exer- ICE RAID HOTLINE
electronics, move anything you wish to keep private
cise their right to remain silent. Do not answer
from plain sight, and close all doors. ________________________________________________
any police questions other than booking ques-
• Anything in plain sight that obviously appears ille-
tions (name, d.o.b., address). The best way to as-
gal or evidence of a crime may be seized. LEGAL CONTACTS
sert this right is to say:
“I am going to remain silent. ________________________________________________

I want a lawyer.” BAIL CONTACTS

_____________________________________________
After an incident, you may
want to write down the details of
what happened. Including date,
time, location, people pres- Resource Links:

“NO, I will not answer your questions.”

“If an Agent Knocks” Center for Constitutional Rights: bit.ly/2wc5hZE
ent, agencies, badge numbers, “You have a right to remain silent” NLG: bit.ly/2fflw56
names mentioned, questions
Do not sign anything you are given
or “I have been advised to not answer asked, items seized, damages,
injuries, etc. without advice from a lawyer first.
questions. If you leave a card, a lawyer Documenting the details of this Lying to the police may result
may contact you.” incident can be beneficial but
there are some potential risks if
in criminal charges. The safest
thing is to not engage them at all.
the document is discovered. It
The police are trained to intimidate. Don’t let them bully you! may help protect the privacy of
Regardless of what they say, remember you are never required the document if you write the Rehearse the phrases on this post-
name of an attorney and the er. So when the time comes, you
to answer any of their questions. Your responsibility is to your words “confidential attorney/cli- will feel confident to deny them
community, not to the police or their investigation. ent communication” at the top. entry, access and information.

crimethinc.com

H Build a culture of resistance H Community defense means all of us H Solidarity means silence to law enforcement H