Under what circumstances may an officer break down a door during an arrest?

An officer may break down a door during an arrest primarily under the condition that the suspect refuses to admit the officer after proper notice. When an officer has made their presence known and the suspect is aware of their intention to arrest, refusal to allow entry can justify the use of force necessary to gain access. This practice aligns with the enforcement of law and the officer's duty to effectively carry out their responsibilities.

In many legal contexts, demonstrating that notice was given means the officer has announced their authority and purpose, which strengthens the justification for entering by force if the suspect does not comply. This scenario is significant because it balances the rights of individuals against the necessity of law enforcement duty, allowing police to take action when cooperation is not forthcoming.

The other options do not establish situations where an officer is empowered to forcibly enter a dwelling. For instance, the mere suspicion of a misdemeanor, the presence of witnesses, or having a warrant but lacking a key does not provide the same legal justification for breaking down a door. Each of these cases lacks the critical element of notice and refusal, thereby not meeting the legal threshold required for such an action by law enforcement.