(1) As used in this section:
- (a) "Daytime hours" means the same as that term is defined in Section 77-7-5.
- (b) "Forcibly enter" means entering any premises by force.
- (c) "Knock" means to knock with reasonably strong force in a quick succession of three or more contacts with a door or other point of entry into a building that would allow the occupant to reasonably hear the peace officer's demand for entry.
- (d) "Knock and announce warrant" means a lawful search warrant that authorizes entry into a building after knocking and demanding entry onto a premises described in Subsection (2).
- (e) "Nighttime hours" means the same as that term is defined in Section 77-7-5.
- (f) "Peace officer" means the same as that term is defined in Section 53-1-102.
- (g) "Premises" means any building, room, conveyance, compartment, or other enclosure.
(h)
- (i) "Supervisory official" means a command-level officer.
- (ii) "Supervisory official" includes a sheriff, a head of a law enforcement agency, and a supervisory enforcement officer equivalent to a sergeant rank or higher.
(2)
(a) Subject to the provisions of this Subsection (2), a peace officer when making a lawful arrest, or serving a knock and announce warrant, may forcibly enter a premises:
- (i) if the individual to be arrested is located within the premises; or
- (ii) if there is probable cause to believe that the individual is located within the premises.
(b)
(i) Subject to Subsection (3), before forcibly entering a premises as described in Subsection (2)(a), a peace officer shall:
- (A) wear readily identifiable markings, including a badge and vest or clothing with a distinguishing label or other writing that identifies the individual as a law enforcement officer;
- (B) audibly identify himself or herself as a law enforcement officer;
- (C) knock and demand admission more than once;
- (D) wait a reasonable period of time for an occupant to admit access after knocking and demanding admission; and
- (E) explain the purpose for which admission is desired.
(3)
(a) A peace officer does not need to:
(i) comply with the requirements of Subsection (2)(b)(i)(B), (2)(b)(i)(C), (2)(b)(i)(D), and (2)(b)(i)(E) before forcibly entering a premises:
- (A) under the exceptions in Section 77-7-6 or 77-7-8.1;
- (B) where there is probable cause to believe exigent circumstances exist due to the destruction of evidence; or
- (C) where there is reasonable suspicion to believe exigent circumstances exist due to the physical safety of a peace officer or individual inside or in near proximity to the premises; or
(ii) comply with the requirements described in Subsections (2)(b)(i)(C) and (2)(b)(i)(D) before forcibly entering a premises if the officer, or another peace officer:
- (A) has been near the premises for an extended amount of time and a reasonable person would conclude that an individual on the premises knows or should know that a peace officer is present;
- (B) has demanded admission and announced an intent to enter the premises more than once; and
- (C) has complied with Subsections (2)(b)(i)(A), (2)(b)(i)(B), and (2)(b)(i)(E).
- (b) If a peace officer forcibly enters a premises under Subsection (3)(a)(i), the peace officer shall identify himself or herself and state the purpose for entering the premises as soon as practicable after entering the premises.
- (4) The peace officer may use only that force that is reasonable and necessary to forcibly enter a premises under this section.
(5) Subject to Subsection (6), if the premises to be entered under Subsection (2)(a) appears to be a private residence or the peace officer knows the premises is a private residence, and if there is no consent to enter or there are no exigent circumstances, the peace officer shall, before entering the premises:
- (a) obtain an arrest or search warrant if the premises is the residence of the individual to be arrested; or
- (b) obtain a search warrant if the building is a private residence, but not the residence of the individual whose arrest is sought.
(6) Before seeking a warrant from a judge or magistrate under Subsection (2)(a), a supervisory official shall, using the peace officer's affidavit:
- (a) independently perform an assessment to evaluate the totality of the circumstances;
- (b) ensure reasonable intelligence gathering efforts have been made;
- (c) ensure a threat assessment was completed on the individual or premises to be searched; and
- (d) determine either that there is a sufficient basis to support seeking a warrant or require that the peace officer continue evidence gathering efforts.
(7) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, a peace officer may not forcibly enter a premises based solely on:
- (a) the alleged possession or use of a controlled substance under Section 76-18-207; or
- (b) the alleged possession of drug paraphernalia as defined in Section 76-18-301.
- (8) All arrest warrants are subject to the conditions described in Subsection 77-7-5(2).
- (9) A peace officer shall serve a knock and announce warrant during daytime hours unless a peace officer has requested, and a judge or magistrate has approved, for the warrant to be served during nighttime hours.
Amended by Chapter 362, 2026 General Session