What is required for a police officer to break open a door during an arrest?

For a police officer to legally break open a door during an arrest, they are generally required to give notice of their presence and purpose, and then be refused admittance. This requirement is rooted in concepts of personal privacy and the lawful execution of police duties. When officers knock and announce their presence, they are providing the occupants an opportunity to comply with the law. If access is denied, the officer may then take the necessary action to enter the residence if they have the legal authority to make the arrest.

This requirement serves several important functions: it helps to minimize unnecessary force, adheres to principles of legal procedure, and respects the rights of individuals within their homes. Overall, this process is framed by the need to balance law enforcement's objectives with the constitutional protections afforded to citizens.