Know your rights: What to do when the police come knocking

Even the most law-abiding citizen may find the police on their doorstep. It may be a neighbor, a friend or a relative that has sparked an investigation. Rather than be taken by surprise, be prepared! Read on to learn more about your rights.

The first thing you should be aware of it the fourth amendment to the Constitution, which prohibits the police from unreasonable search and seizures. That means, in most cases, police need to obtain a warrant in order to search your personal property.

The exception to that is if you consent to allowing the police to enter your property. If you do consent to the police entering your property, you should be very specific as to the time, duration, area or intensity of any search. Also, remember that you can decline a search if the police do not have a warrant.