Under what condition can the "knock and announce" requirement be waived?

The "knock and announce" requirement can be waived primarily to prevent a credible risk of imminent harm. This principle is grounded in the idea that, in certain high-stakes situations, waiting to announce presence before entering a property could lead to serious injury or death to officers or civilians.

For example, if law enforcement has reasonable grounds to believe that evidence will be destroyed, or if they suspect that announcing their presence could lead to a violent confrontation, they can bypass the traditional protocol for entry. This decision is made to ensure the safety of all involved and to uphold the integrity of the law enforcement process in critical conditions.

In contrast, factors such as being in a hurry or simply the nature of the warrant do not meet the standard required to waive this constitutional protection. Announcing at the request of a homeowner does not constitute a situation requiring immediate action, thus failing to justify the waiver either. Therefore, the emphasis on the threat of imminent harm establishes a crucial balancing act between law enforcement duties and individual rights.