Do you know what is the standard practice when cops do a well check on someone?

Question

If the cops come to your house and knock to do a "well" check because someone called them that you might be in trouble, are you obligated to open the door? Can they bust the door in if no one answers and the house is quiet?

I'm talking about Texas, btw.

Answer 1

It is difficult to define "standard practice", because there are so many different situations.

For example, someone calls the police and says the mail is piling up in your mailbox, and i hear you talking, my well check stops at that point. I would not make you open the door.

Same example, except this time, you left a suicide note and left several voice mails with people saying goodbye, now we have a legitimate concern for your safety. I knock on the door, you refuse to open it and say "It will all be over soon", now I would force entry. This forced entry is not to make an arrest, but to take you into protective custody to prevent a suicide.

The test of the amount of force the police use is determined by thier motive. If the motive is truly in the best interest of the well check, and is not motivated by a police investigation, it will be allowed.

Answer 2

Police at door inquiring as to your well being. Open door, explain all is well and that is the end of it. Some random person makes the call... open door and all is well. Relatives call and all is well.

The alternative is worrying about what the police can do depending on the situation. Yes of course....... the police can and will break open your door. If you are home and don't open the door then there is actually some sort of problem. Because normal people w. no issues and nothing to hide do that.

Answer 3

I say if the cops come to my door and asked to do a "Well" check on someone...I would ask if I could call their boss to verify this, unless those police looked like legit ones. You recognize them. I had a "Well" check call once because I quit a job I really hated and didn't give notice or answer my phone for a couple of days. When, I finally did answer it was the Police to ask if I was fine and why wasn't I answering my phone. They were polite about it but asked that I please notify my employer next time because everyone was worried about me. Yes, they can do those checks, It's for your safety. If there is nothing wrong, then you have nothing to worry about.

Answer 4

As long as they can verify the person is ok we usally go on about our business to the next call but if there are exigent circumstances you bet your front door is getting kicked in. Their is no law that states you have to answer the door but their not going away unless they know for sure.

Answer 5

You should talk to them through the door. Otherwise they might use that as an excuse to kick the door down to "help" you. I would never let a cop into my house.