The "Wilson" decision requires announcement unless an allowable exigent circumstance exists. The announcement need not be lengthy or elaborate. It need only be "Police, we have a warrant to search your house, open the door," spoken loudly enough for someone in the house to hear. Officers who shout "police" as they run to the door with a battering ram, without exigent circumstances, would not suffice. A reasonable amount of time must be given, so that the occupants of the house can comply with the demand. If they refuse to comply, or there is no response and a reasonable time has passed, then a forcible entry can be made. Announcement may not be constitutionally required when one or more of the required exigent circumstances exist: imminent peril, useless gesture, or destruction of evidence; however, officers should carefully evaluate the operational and safety considerations discussed in this article before entering premises and review the facts to determine if exigent circumstances would legally justify a no-knock entry in a particular situation. 22 notes