Ending No-Knock Warrants: Enhanced Citizen Protection
This act introduces new rules for federal law enforcement searches, banning no-knock entries in drug cases and limiting them in others. The goal is to enhance citizen safety and property protection during interventions, and to ensure greater transparency in police actions.
Key points
No-knock entry ban in drug cases: Federal officers can no longer enter homes without knocking and announcing their presence for drug-related investigations.
Restrictions for other cases: No-knock entries are only allowed if there is clear and convincing evidence that announcing presence would endanger officers or others.
Property protection and restitution: The act requires officers to avoid property destruction and injury. Citizens harmed during a search can seek restitution.
Recording requirement: Officers must record the entire search with body-worn cameras, from 5 minutes before entry to 5 minutes after exit.
Address verification and daylight hours: Searches must occur during daylight hours unless a court authorizes otherwise for safety reasons. Officers must verify the address before entry.
Protection for vulnerable individuals: Before a search, officers must assess if children, elderly, or disabled individuals are present and have a safety plan.
Officer accountability and evidence exclusion: Evidence obtained in violation of these rules may be inadmissible in court, and officers may face consequences, including suspension or termination.
Requirement for state and local agencies: State and local agencies may lose federal funding if they do not implement similar search policies.
Expired
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