[Stonewall Jackson]

While I could see the police holding a gun on the guy outside while they check his bonafides, there is no excuse for roughing him up and then entering his parents' house without a warrant.

As I understand the law (and please correct me if I'm wrong), the only time the police are allowed to enter a residence without permission of the owner or a warrant is if a person's life is in danger (ie. hearing someone screaming, followed by a gunshot). But even then, they are only allowed to enter and secure the situation. Any searches have to wait for a warrant to arrive.

[Calpernia]

bumping.

Agreed!

[frogjerk]

the only time the police are allowed to enter a residence without permission of the owner or a warrant is if a person's life is in danger (ie. hearing someone screaming, followed by a gunshot).

Or probable cause, which does not seem to be the case here.

[steve-b]

There are a few other specific situations in which the police may enter without permission or a warrant:

1. Clear and present danger (e.g. the case you describe where somebody hears screams coming from a house and calls the cops).

2. Hot pursuit (e.g. the cops are chasing a crook and see him jump in your window).

3. Blanket permission granted as a condition for parole.

AFAIK, that's pretty much it.