[DuncanWaring]

Another question, how is the homeowner to know whether or not the cop is entering legally?

That's easy:

1. Cop rings doorbell.
2. Occupant answers door.
3. Cop shows occupant the warrant, and says "I am Officer So-and-so, and this is a warrant to search the premises at this address".
4. Occupant reads warrant to confirm correct address.
5. Cop enters to execute search warrant.

That's not so hard now, is it?

[dznutz]

That's not so hard now, is it?

You forgot #6. Bad guy sees cops at door and flushes contraband and down toilet while police wait outside.

[Terry Mross]

I’m talking about a no-knock warrant. You’re in bed and you hear the cops kick your door in. They’ve got the wrong address. They entered illegally.