AboutMike Martin Expertise I have been a certified Police Officer for 33 years. While I cannot answer legal questions (I am not a lawyer, just a cop) I can answer questions related to proper police procedures and techniques. I cannot answer questions involving employment qualifications. Each department is different. You will need to check with the department where you wish to apply.
Expert: Mike Martin Date: 10/8/2003 Subject: Police busting a high-school party
Question I live in Maryland and am interested in certain police procedures when it comes to busting a high school party. Keep in mind that this party most likely has underage drinking going on and the owners of the house are most likely not at home at the time of the party. My question is what if the police come to the door of the high school party going on, and someone (probably a minor that is son/daughter of the owner of the house) answers the door to greet the officers. Can the police automatically enter the party and go throughout the house, issuing alcohol citations to the minors? What if no one answers the door at all when the police arrive...can the police still enter the party and give citations? What would the police use as "probable cause" to enter the party if they can even enter it at all? I appreciate your time and hope to receive your response soon. Thank you.
Answer Matt, I live in Iowa and can only speak for the way things work here. If the police are not given permission to enter, they cannot enter without a warrant unless they have reason to believe that a crime is in progress inside the residence. The "reason to believe" could be many things, such as the odor of an alcoholic beverage, the sight of beer cans or bottles, or anything along those lines. Now, I have had personal experience with many of these parties and I know that if the officers don't get impatient, they just have to wait until someone leaves, gets to the sidewalk (public property) and check him. If he is underage and has been drinking and the officers saw him come from the residence in question, they have probable cause and can enter the residence.
