Which scenario may qualify as a lawful entry by police into a residence?

Executing a search warrant is a scenario that qualifies as a lawful entry by police into a residence because a search warrant is a legal document issued by a judge that authorizes law enforcement to enter a specified location to search for evidence of a crime. The warrant must be based on probable cause, and it typically outlines the place to be searched and the items to be seized. This legal authority provides the police with the right to enter the residence without needing the owner’s consent.

Other scenarios listed, such as entering property to offer assistance or looking through windows without permission, may not meet the legal standards for lawful entry. While knocking on the door first may be seen as polite or respectful, it does not inherently provide the legal grounds for entry without a warrant or consent. The critical element here is the formal legal backing that a search warrant provides, ensuring the actions of law enforcement are compliant with the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.