Knowledgebase FAQs Police Encounters If police have a search warrant, do they have to show it to me?If police have a search warrant, do they have to show it to me?
No. The Supreme Court has never ruled that police must present the warrant when performing a search. The purpose of the warrant is to establish legal authority to conduct the search and create a paper trail in case the search is challenged. Since executing a search warrant is considered a high-risk activity for police, officers are permitted to enter quickly and forcefully. If you have doubts about the legality of a search warrant issued against you or your property, you'll need to discuss the matter with your attorney.
Remember that police don't need consent to search if they have a warrant. If officers ask for consent to search, always refuse, even if they claim that they have a warrant or that they can easily get one.
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