Wellness/Welfare checks involve police checking in on a person if there is cause for concern regarding the person’s wellbeing. This commonly applies to the elderly, those with suicidal ideation, or other medical emergencies. Wellness checks can be requested by contacting the police department through 911, or other non-emergency lines, and are most often used to check on elderly people who may live alone.
Do the police require a warrant/court order?
No – in cases like these, there is only required to be reasonable suspicion that a resident is in imminent danger. While they should knock on the door before entering, they may enter if there is no response or if there is further evidence that something is wrong: in the interest of possibly unconscious or incapacitated residents.
If residents are found to be hurt or otherwise compromised, medical services will be called, as well as the person who initiated the wellness check.