What is a no-knock warrant?
A judge may issue a no-knock search warrant, permitting police officers to enter premises without knocking and announcing themselves as police. No-knock warrants require reliable information that officers might be injured or evidence destroyed if they knocked and identified themselves.FeaturesA federal district court judge or magistrate may issue a no-knock warrant on the grounds of a “known risk of serious harm” or destruction of evidence if officers identify themselves before entering.HistoryHistorically police followed the knock-and-announce rule, identifying themselves and giving residents a chance to let them in before entering the premises by force to serve a warrant and search the premises. This rule aimed to reduce unnecessary property damage and accidental injury to officers from residents who might mistake them for intruders.ConsiderationsPolice without a no-knock warrant entering premises by force and unannounced may find that any evidence of criminal activity they do find m
