General public definition
- A wellness check is “a [type of call] in which the police are tasked with confirming the well-being of an individual. These calls can be [requested by] family members or the public, or [as a result of] observations made by police officers, and for a variety of different reasons. These calls can also result in a plethora of different outcomes, including confirmation of the individual’s well-being, a referral to community resources, a mental health apprehension, or even an arrest if a crime has occurred.”76
Academic definition
- “Much ambiguity exists surrounding [the term] ‘wellness check,’ including in [its] definition and application.”76 The term has yet to be “formally defined in a widely accepted and standardized manner.”73 This gap has resulted in many different interpretations.76
- Other terms, which appear to be used interchangeably, also reference the same or similar types of interaction, for example, well-being/wellbeing checks, welfare checks, and check-ins. None of these terms are currently well defined. The terms and associated definitions may also vary from region-to-region and by public safety service or organization.
- “Although not concrete, the term [wellness check] is commonly understood as a type of call in which the police are tasked with confirming the well-being of an individual. These calls can originate from several different sources, including calls from family members or the public, or from observations by police officers, and for a variety of different reasons. These calls can also result in a plethora of different outcomes, including confirmation of the individual’s well-being, a referral to community resources, a mental health apprehension, or even an arrest if a crime has occurred.”76
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