Agreeing to a Police Search

Learn about giving the police your "consent" to search.

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Law enforcement sometimes asks for permission to search. How do you respond? How can you challenge a supposed "consent search?"

Consent Searches

Agreeing to an officer's request to search--when will the search be valid?

How Police Get Permission to Search
There's nothing illegal about persistently asking you for permission to search.
Getting Tricked Into Giving Consent
An officer's fraud or deceit will destroy any consent you may have given.

Common Questions

These situations often happen when dealing with supposed consent searches.

Can I consent to a police search of my living room but not my bedroom?
Your consent can be limited.
Can my landlord give consent for a search of my apartment?
A police officer's request to enter must be made to the person who is in possession of the home--the tenant.
Can my employer agree to a search of my workplace?
The location of the search, and the items sought, will determine whether police need a warrant.
Can my child let the police into our house to conduct a search when I’m not home?
A child's age and maturity will determine whether he can give consent.