May 25, 2024
How to Get a Wellness Check on Someone
Written by Pointer & Buelna, LLP. Lawyers For The People, reviewed by Adanté Pointer
If you’re concerned about the well-being of a loved one or suspect that someone may be in danger, and you are unable to personally check on that person yourself, you need to take immediate action. In such situations, requesting a police wellness check can provide peace of mind and ensure the person’s safety.
As California police misconduct lawyers, we know things can go wrong during wellness checks. Below, we walk you through the process of getting a welfare check for your loved one, as well as some things to consider before calling the police.
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What Is a Wellness Check?
A wellness or welfare check is a free service provided by local law enforcement agencies to verify the safety and well-being of an individual that their friends or family are worried about and unable to check on themselves. This is frequently done when there are concerns about that person’s mental or physical health or if they may be in danger.
However, if your loved one has been a victim of police brutality or discrimination in the past, having the police unexpectedly show up at their house, start asking questions, or sometimes even demand entry can lead to disastrous consequences.
For example, Johns Hopkins reported that police responses that were initiated by calling 911 were 46% more likely to result in a shooting death compared to incidents in which police were already on-site. Even more disturbing, welfare checks with no known danger or risk to police have a 74% greater likelihood of ending in a fatal shooting.
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What Happens During a Welfare Check?
During a welfare check, officers will attempt to make contact with the person in question. Law enforcement typically starts by knocking on the door and calling out to see if anyone responds. They may:
- Speak with neighbors to gather information about recent activity.
- Look for signs of distress (e.g., accumulating mail, visible injuries, or distress within the home).
- Enter the property if there’s visible evidence of danger, or the person appears to need urgent help. Note that officers do not need a court order to enter if there is probable cause, such as the presence of an emergency.
Officers may contact emergency services after completing the welfare check if immediate medical or psychological assistance is needed. In some circumstances, they may also notify relatives or the person who requested the check about the outcome.
What Justifies a Welfare Check?
It is justified when someone is feared to be at risk of harm. Common scenarios that may warrant a welfare check include:
- Prolonged silence from someone who usually stays in contact.
- Unusual behavior suggests mental health struggles, such as depression or suicidal thoughts.
- Elderly individuals or people with known health issues who haven’t been seen or heard from.
- Signs of neglect or abuse, especially for vulnerable individuals.
It’s important to evaluate whether the situation truly justifies involving law enforcement, as unnecessary welfare checks can burden police resources and might unintentionally distress the person involved.
Steps to Obtain a Wellness Check in California
If there is anyone else other than the police that you can call to check on your loved one (a neighbor, caretaker, property manager, etc.), we highly recommend you reach out to that person first. If that check yields no information, then consider initiating a police wellness check.
Here are the steps to get a welfare check in California:
- Gather Information: Before contacting law enforcement, gather the person’s full name, address, contact information, date and time of last contact, medications, health conditions, and previous history with law enforcement.
- Contact the Local Police Department: Call the non-emergency number of the local police department. Inform them about your concerns and request a wellness check.
- Explain the Situation: Again, do not overlook explaining that the person doesn’t trust police or is triggered by authority figures, etc. Remain calm and provide as much information as you can.
- Follow Up: While the police will take the lead in conducting the wellness check, be sure to follow up with them to ensure that the wellness check was completed and the situation resolved.
- Document and Preserve Evidence: If there is any suspected police brutality or misconduct, document and preserve it (photographs, recording videos, saving text messages or emails, etc).
FAQs About Wellness Check in California
How do you call someone in a wellness check?
To request a wellness check, contact the LAPD by calling 911 or their non-emergency line, 1-877-ASK-LAPD (1-877-275-5273), depending on the urgency. Even concerned neighbors who suspect something is wrong and receive no answer at the door can request it. When making the solicitation, provide as much information as possible, including the person’s name, address, and any relevant health concerns or circumstances that suggest they might be at risk. For cases involving immediate danger, use 911 for the quickest response.
What happens if someone doesn’t answer the door for a wellness check?
If the person doesn’t answer, officers may take additional steps to determine their safety. This can include speaking with neighbors or looking through accessible windows. Officers have the authority to enter the home if there are clear indications of distress, like audible cries or visual evidence of harm. In situations where no immediate threat is apparent, they may leave a contact card for the person to reach out to law enforcement.
Can you find out who called a welfare check on you?
In most cases, the identity of the person requesting a welfare check is kept confidential. Law enforcement prioritizes protecting the privacy of those who make requests to encourage people to come forward without fear of retaliation. However, depending on the circumstances, law enforcement may disclose certain details if necessary to guarantee safety or during legal proceedings.
What happens when someone calls a wellness check on you?
If someone requests a wellness check on you, expect a visit from law enforcement. Officers will attempt to confirm your well-being through direct interaction. You can simply explain the situation if you’re safe, and they’ll document the visit. But, if officers observe signs that suggest you need assistance, they may connect you with emergency or mental health services. Remember, welfare checks are meant to ensure safety, not to intrude.
Contact our California Police Brutality Lawyers for Free Consultation
Police wellness checks can be risky. If anything goes wrong, the dedicated team of California police brutality lawyers at Pointer and Buelna, LLP: Lawyers For The People will provide you with personalized representation from start to finish.
Together, we can make a difference and strive for a safer community. To talk us today, contact our offices now for a free consultation or give us a call at (510) 929-5400. We are available 24/7.
Adanté Pointer
Pointer has received numerous awards and honors. He has been selected as the “Nations Best Advocate” by the National Bar Association, a “Superlawyer” in 2021 by Superlawyers Magazine and was recently featured as being “the Best Civil Rights Lawyer You May Not Have Heard Of” by the East Bay Express.
Years of Experience: 16+ years