Concerns have been raised regarding the issuance of “no-knock” arrest and search warrants that allow law enforcement to enter a building without first giving notice of the officer’s authority or purpose. It has been suggested that the practice of allowing warrants to be executed by law enforcement without a predicate announcement increases safety risks, while also undermining the rights of citizens against intrusion.

KEY POINTS

  •  Several high-profile deaths, highlight the need for Texas to limit the use of no-knock warrants.
  • Almost 30 states and more than 20 cities have placed restrictions on no-knock warrants.
  • Texas should limit the use of no-knock warrants to specific exigent circumstances in order to protect both the public and law enforcement from harm.

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