Buzz
Are you struggling to reach a friend, family member, or acquaintance? Perhaps a welfare check, also referred to as a wellness check or police welfare check, is the solution you need. Continue reading to understand what a welfare check entails and how you can request one. By making a simple phone call, you can take a step closer to reconnecting with the person causing you concern.
Essential Information
- Law enforcement officers conduct welfare checks upon the request of concerned individuals such as friends, family members, acquaintances, and colleagues.
- To request a welfare check, dial either 911 or a non-emergency police hotline.
- Consistent inability to make contact, signs of a mental health crisis, or suspicious activities near someone's residence all warrant a welfare check.
Procedure
Understanding Welfare Checks
A welfare check involves a police officer physically visiting someone's residence to ensure their well-being. Civilians do not conduct welfare checks themselves; instead, they contact law enforcement and request an officer to check on a friend, family member, neighbor, or colleague. Upon receiving the request, local police officers visit the individual's home to ascertain their safety and welfare.
- Welfare checks are frequently requested for elderly relatives and neighbors.
How to Ask for a Welfare Check
Contact your local police non-emergency number or dial 911. If you believe the person is in immediate danger, such as a friend or loved one expressing suicidal thoughts, always call 911. For serious concerns that are not immediately life-threatening, such as a neighbor who has been out of contact for several days, use the police non-emergency line.
- Refer to your police department's website for the non-emergency contact details. If you're calling on behalf of someone in a different location, ensure you contact their local precinct.
Provide details about the individual and the reason for the welfare check. Inform the operator of the person's full name and address, and then explain the basis for your concern or why you believe they may be in danger.
- “I'm requesting a welfare check for my neighbor, Jane Kelly, residing at 300 Apple Road. She hasn't collected her mail for several days, and there have been no sightings of her in the neighborhood. Given her age of 81, I'm concerned she may have had an accident or medical emergency.”
- “I urgently need a welfare check on my friend, Josh Adams, who resides in apartment 17B at Meadow Springs Apartments, 700 Main Street. He recently posted a suicide note on social media, and I fear for his safety.”
Wait for updates from the police officers. If the welfare check is successful, law enforcement will likely reach out to provide an update. If issues arise during the check, officers will prioritize addressing the immediate concern.
- For instance, if you requested a welfare check on your elderly aunt and the police find that she's fallen and injured, they'll call for medical assistance before contacting you.
When is a welfare check necessary?
Consistent lack of communicationAn occasional missed call or text may not raise alarm, but consistent unresponsiveness is concerning. Signs of consistent lack of contact could include:
- An elderly neighbor remaining indoors for days
- A reliable co-worker inexplicably absent from work for multiple days
- A normally responsive friend ignoring messages and calls for days
Risk of suicideWelfare checks are often warranted for individuals exhibiting suicidal tendencies—this could manifest in alarming messages, unusual social media posts, or direct admissions. An immediate welfare check can potentially avert a tragedy and facilitate access to necessary mental health support.
- You can request a welfare check for a friend or family member facing any life-threatening mental health crisis. When contacting authorities, inquire about the availability of a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) to provide specialized assistance—they are trained to handle such situations effectively.
Suspicious activity around someone's residenceHave you noticed signs of a break-in at your neighbor's home or witnessed suspicious individuals lurking nearby? Alert the police and request a welfare check—this enables law enforcement to promptly aid potential victims.
What occurs during a welfare check?
Police knock on the individual's door to check their well-being. Upon knocking or ringing the doorbell, officers will identify themselves and await a response. If the person is found to be safe, law enforcement will update the original caller accordingly.
- If you suspect the person might be in crisis, consider accompanying the police during the welfare check. Your presence could provide reassurance during the visit.
Officers conduct a thorough inspection if the person is not present. They may explore the surroundings of the residence, checking for signs of the person's whereabouts. This could involve examining the garage or parking area to locate the person's vehicle.
- Additionally, officers may review the person's mail to check for any accumulated correspondence.
Officers gather relevant information and conduct inquiries. This may include speaking with neighbors, reviewing the person's call history, and delving into their medical background. In certain cases, officers may inquire at nearby medical facilities or detention centers for any trace of the individual.
- Neighbors may be asked about recent sightings of the person or any knowledge of spare keys to their residence. Authorities may also reach out to the person's acquaintances for further insights.
Police may enter the premises forcefully if deemed necessary. In circumstances where there's concern for the person's safety or life, law enforcement is authorized to enter without a warrant. However, this decision hinges on the specific context of the situation.
- Before resorting to forced entry, officers typically explore alternative points of access such as open windows.
Guidelines
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If you suspect a child is at risk of abuse or neglect, contact your local police precinct or Child Protective Services (CPS) office to file a report. A CPS representative will conduct a welfare check on the child after receiving your report.
Cautions
- When it comes to someone's well-being, it's crucial to prioritize safety over hesitation! If you suspect someone is in jeopardy, don't hesitate to request a welfare check.
