Request police help with a welfare check
Is this an emergency?
Do you have reason to believe someone is in imminent risk of endangering themselves or others or do you have an immediate concern for their welfare? Call 999 now.
This service isn't for use by the public.
This service is for social services, social care departments, care homes, schools, NHS staff, charities and partners to request a welfare check.
Please note: If you submit a form through this service inappropriately it will not be picked up and dealt with by the correct team.
Before you contact us
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Do you know the person is at risk? Have you been to where the person is and tried to talk to them?
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Do you know where they are but you can’t speak to them to assess the risk?
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Have you tried contacting any friends or family to get a clear picture of what’s going on?
If the answer to any of the above is yes and there is concern that something serious either has happened or will happen, please click Start below to request a welfare check.
If while you’re completing the form you discover the situation has changed and the risk has increased, please call 999.
Things to be aware of
Forcing entry
We can’t force entry unless there is real risk to life or limb or to prevent serious damage to property.
While we do have power to enter a premises under Section 17 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (1984), we can’t use that to gain entry when there’s a general concern for someone’s welfare; the situation really does need someone to be in serious and severe risk.
When we can carry out a welfare check
We may not be the most appropriate service to deal with your request. We're only able to carry out a welfare check when there is:
- a crime to investigate
- risk to life of a person
- risk of serious harm to a person
Read further information on Right Care, Right Person.
Your responsibility
When you submit a form, we have not accepted responsibility for that request. We take time to assess every request. We have not assumed responsibility until we have agreed to accept the request and have confirmed this with you. Until then, you are responsible for taking any appropriate steps.
If you've been through the checks above and understand when we can and cannot help, and want to request a welfare check then click Start below.