Can a Police Officer tell me I can't go back to my home?

Question

Today I was coming home from doing some shopping and I notice there was a lot of cops in the area and there were several Helicopters in the air in the area. I came to find out a police chase had come to end a couple blocks away from my home. When I pulled into my housing track There was a police cruiser in front of my street. He told me to stop. And he asked me where I was going. I told him that I live here. He told me that I will not be able to get on to my street for a couple of hours. The chase did noteven end on my street!!! Waited in a parking lot for an hour and a half. How does he have the right to tell me I can't go to my home!!! I the one paying the mortage!!!! Not him!!!

Answer 1

Public safety.He has the right and he exercised it.

Answer 2

If they were looking for a suspect, or they had him cornered and he was armed. they can keep out out of the area for as long as it takes to resolve the issue............

It's for your safety.......

Answer 3

Most states grant some authority to cops to maintain the status quo during the execution of their duties.  What the law is in your state, and whether it was properly exercised, I don't know.  However, if he was totally in the wrong, and you sued, and I was on the jury, I would award you a total of one buck.

Answer 4

Yes, he can.  It is for your own safety though.  A situation like this chase could begin again or a shootout could occur.  Even though it did not end on your street does not mean it couldn't end up there.  If the suspect was in the custody of other officers, that doesn't mean that he/she does not have friends that may come to help him escape.  So, the officer was in the right keeping you from the area.  He didn't know you from the suspects friend.  He was doing both; keeping you safe and insuring you don't go into the area to help the suspect.

Answer 5

Sounds like your entire neighborhood was a crime scene.  Without any more details, we are all just speculating.  But in short, the police can seal and area for safety and/or investigative reasons.

Answer 6

He can prevent you from going home.  He can also evacuate the people who are already in their homes.  It is for the public safety.