What Is a Police Welfare Check?

By Staff WriterLast Updated March 26, 2020

A police welfare check takes place when law enforcement is sent out to check the wellbeing of a person. This check is done when the police have a reason to believe someone is harmed or in danger.

Unlike with searches, police officers do not have to obtain a warrant to do a welfare check, also called a wellness check. Most commonly, welfare checks are done when family members or friends call the police department and ask that a family member or friend is checked on because they have not heard from the person or believe that the person is in need of assistance. It is typical for police to conduct wellness checks on senior citizens.