Scare early morning

This morning at 5am, I just woke up for work and was taking care of business. Heard a really loud pounding on the door which woke my wife up. It happened again, and she thought she heard them say, "police officer!". By the time I got to the door I couldn't see or hear anything.

I live in a pretty nice apartment community on the third floor, with gates on the one entrance, but they seem to be stuck a lot.

My question, what would you do if someone yelled that to your door. Obviously I have no business with the law, certainly not that early. Is it proper to ask for ID, and what should I expect to see?

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Look through a peephole or window and see who it is. Do not open the door. Yell out that you are on the phone with the police department. Call the police department and ask them if a legitimate officer is at your door. Do not open the door as home invaders can disguise themselves as cops.

Absolutely is it appropriate to ask for ID. The above is reason enough.

Probably someone picking up a neighbor and thought they'd be cute and yell "Police" while banging on the door.

It can be dangerous to just open the door when hearing the word "police" uttered. There could be the chance the folks on the other side are not.

This is becoming a favourite ruse to get people to stop on the road, or to gain access to someone's home. It will break down your situational awareness rapidly because, you know, it is the "police" after all.

Another thing is having so many addresses that are similiar, if the cops do show up they could have the wrong place. It happens. They can be given incorrect information and not be at the right place.

I know if they come knocking on my door, I'm going to make certain it is the police before I would ever open that door.

I seen a movie one time were the lady looked through the peephole and got shot in the eye while she was asking who it was

I have 24/7 security cameras covering all sides of my house/yard. In addition, I have a dome camera mounted at the front door. A quick glance at the monitor shows who/what is at the front door as well as everywhere else on the premises. Not fool proof but it is much better than being blind as to what is going on.

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Originally Posted by barstoolguru

I seen a movie one time were the lady looked through the peephole and got shot in the eye while she was asking who it was

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Congratulations. You get today's award for the least-helpful post on the forum.

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Originally Posted by barstoolguru

I seen a movie one time were the lady looked through the peephole and got shot in the eye while she was asking who it was

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Standing close to a door could also be dangerous if it is an actual police raid. They have been known to quickly announce and then kick the door open. Anyone looking through the keyhole would be injured.

Michael

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Originally Posted by marcclarke

Congratulations. You get today's award for the least-helpful post on the forum.

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If you don't have enough awards for everyone you can't give out any at all.

Michael

Defense in layers. If you have cameras great. Living in an apartment complex usually does not give you the flexibility to mount or wire what you would like, or even to hang a fairly good security door.

Yes, call the Police or 911 if in doubt.

Depending on your apartment door, it may or not be fire rated or solid core (check your codes and the door) and most often will have an OK lock but a cheap frame (not reinforced) that can be kicked in easily - if this bothered you, you might want to add reinforcement behind the deadbolt (and just have them take it out of the security deposit later).

And nearly on the same topic, in a very large city near where I live, there has been more than one situation where the Feds/LEO have just gone to the wrong address and become agressive (usually drug related warrents), at the home owner's expense. The sad part is, they usually shoot the dog, if not the occupants before they, um, realize the mistake. Oops.

Yes, the phone might be the best option, and do not open the door, until verified legit! After that, be as polite as possible.

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Originally Posted by mlr1m

If you don't have enough awards for everyone you can't give out any at all.

Michael

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LOL! I shall therefore strive to give out more awards. :gah:

If their in uniform and have proper police vehicles...ok. I agree communicate thru door, any doubt don't open the door,be ready to repel boarders (360 degree's)if necessary. Dial 911. Don't live a lifestyle that brings real cops to your home. Avoid living near neighbors who do or just really suck. Don't shoot real cops, its bad for your health..

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Originally Posted by 1911srule

If their in uniform and have proper police vehicles...ok. I agree communicate thru door, any doubt don't open the door,be ready to repel boarders (360 degree's)if necessary. Dial 911. Don't live a lifestyle that brings real cops to your home. Avoid living near neighbors who do or just really suck. Don't shoot real cops, its bad for your health..

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Don't live a lifestyle that brings real cops to your home.

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Mistakes happen, wrong addresses or faulty information can and does lead to the wrong homes being raided.

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Avoid living near neighbors who do or just really suck.

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I tried to do just this. Bought a home in a nice working class neighborhood to retire in. Trouble is that the government decided to let some meth cook out of jail a couple years early. The poor soul does not have a real job, cooking meth is not considered a real job, so the government moved them into the house next door. Well they didn't move them in but they are paying the cost of the rent for them through a HUD program.
Oh, and before you say I should move. I spent all my saving to move to this neighborhood and do not have the money for another move on my retirement income.
Please tell me how I can avoid living next to them when the government is paying them to live next to me?

Michael

There's a reason LEOs (and EMS!) stand to the side of a door when they knock.

Go I get an award?