The Importance of Taking a Wellness Check by the Police Seriously
Wellness checks conducted by the police are a necessary service that can potentially save lives and prevent harm to individuals who may be experiencing mental health or medical emergencies. A wellness check is defined as a non-emergency police welfare visit to an individual who may be at risk of harm to themselves or others. These checks are usually conducted upon request from family, friends or colleagues who report concerns about the welfare of an individual who may be experiencing distress, and are carried out to ensure that the individual’s mental and physical well-being is looked after.
Why Wellness Checks Matter
Wellness checks, also known as welfare checks, are an essential tool for law enforcement to ensure public safety, particularly in cases where an individual may be experiencing a mental or physical health crisis. The main goal of these checks is to prevent harm, save lives, and provide support to those in need. Because wellness checks are frequently the result of a concerned third-party, they are often carried out on individuals who do not expect law enforcement intervention and may be uncooperative or confrontational. However, these checks can be vital in preventing negative outcomes, such as domestic violence, self-harm, suicide, or other crimes.
Risks of Not Taking Wellness Checks Seriously
Ignoring a wellness check can have dire consequences. In several high-profile cases, individuals who refused or resisted wellness checks have met tragic outcomes. Such was the case for Daniel Prude, who died in March 2020 after an altercation with police during a wellness check. In other instances, individuals who suffered from mental health crises have been shot or injured during clashes with law enforcement in response to a resisted wellness check. Responding to wellness checks is not always an easy task, but it is essential for law enforcement and first responders to understand the risks and potential outcomes of these interventions, as well as the gravity of the situation in which they are being called to help.
What Happens During a Wellness Check
During a wellness check, a police officer will arrive at the location where an individual has been reported to be in distress. They will usually ask to speak with the individual or ask to see identification to confirm that they are who they say they are. If the individual cooperates, the officer will assess their behavior, attitude, and overall well-being. If the officer suspects that the individual is experiencing a mental health crisis, they may provide them with information on mental health services or transport them to a facility where they can receive care. In some cases, the individual may be taken into custody for their own safety or for the safety of others.
Tips for Responding to a Wellness Check
In cases where you or someone you know may be at risk for a wellness check, it is essential to remain calm and communicate clearly with the officers that arrive at your location. If you are the caller in a wellness check, it is helpful to provide as much information as possible to the law enforcement officers regarding the individual’s behavior, medical history, and mental state. You can also recommend mental health services or provide contact information for the individual’s health care provider – these details can be helpful in ensuring a positive outcome during the wellness check.
Conclusion
Wellness checks by law enforcement can be vital in preventing serious harm to individuals in distress, and they can provide an essential service to communities and society as a whole. However, responding to a wellness check can be daunting and challenging for both the individual in distress and the law enforcement officers involved. By taking wellness checks seriously and responding with care and compassion, we can improve public safety and ensure that individuals receive the support they need to thrive.
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