§ 197 Arrest without warrant, breaking door or window.

When police want to arrest someone without a warrant, they normally can't just force their way into a home. But this rule allows an officer to break down a door or window to make that arrest if certain steps are followed first.

Before breaking in, the officer must announce who they are and explain why they're there. They have to give the person inside a chance to open the door and let them in peacefully. Only if the officer is refused entry after making this announcement can they force their way into the house.

This rule protects people's privacy in their own homes while still giving police a way to make lawful arrests. It stops officers from breaking into homes without warning, but it also means refusing to open the door after a proper announcement won't stop a lawful arrest from happening.