[Rick Lee]

Bottom line is they did not have an arrest or search warrant, so anything beyond walking up to the door to knock would be illegal. Homeowners NEVER need identify themselves to police on their own property and often don't have to do so while walking down the street. If the Coffins knew they were about to be served, then it was totally understandable for Mrs. Coffin to close the garage door. This is totally legal. Those cops should have been prosecuted. I wonder how Mr. Coffin was finally arrested. Did more cops come to get him or did the two he beat up finally get control of him? I would be surprised if they didn't give a bit of a beating in the process and he should be able to sue for that. Check my thread on the "You and the Police" book.