The bill amends section 6 of the 1966 PA 189, which outlines the procedures for law enforcement officers executing search warrants. It introduces new requirements for officers, including the obligation to announce their identity and purpose before attempting forcible entry into a property, and to wait a reasonable period for admittance. If entry is denied after these steps, officers are permitted to break into the property if they believe it is necessary for their safety or to prevent evidence destruction. The bill also specifies that if officers are aware of certain circumstances that justify immediate entry without prior announcement, they must include this information in their warrant application.

Additionally, the bill mandates that if officers seek authorization to enter without complying with the announcement requirement, they must provide details about the occupants of the property, any known disabilities, and any animals present. It restricts such entries to the hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., unless otherwise specified in the warrant. Furthermore, it requires that officers be in uniform or clearly identifiable as law enforcement during forcible entries. The bill aims to enhance the procedural safeguards for individuals during the execution of search warrants while allowing law enforcement to act swiftly in certain situations.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 780.656