When Does A Wellness Check Become Harassment, Wellness checks are a common practice among law enforcement agencies. They serve as a way to ensure, General, when-does-a-wellness-check-become-harassment, Timnesia
Wellness checks are a common practice among law enforcement agencies. They serve as a way to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals who may be at risk of harm. However, in some cases, wellness checks can turn into harassment, causing distress and anxiety for the person being checked on.
A wellness check becomes harassment when it is done excessively, without cause, or without the consent of the person being checked on. Harassment can take many forms, including repeated phone calls, visits, or emails, and can cause emotional distress and anxiety for the individual.
One of the most common reasons for wellness checks that turn into harassment is due to neighbors or family members reporting concerns about a person's safety. While it is important to take these concerns seriously, law enforcement agents must also follow proper protocol and obtain consent before conducting a wellness check.
Another reason for wellness checks turning into harassment is due to racial profiling. This occurs when a person is targeted solely based on their race or ethnicity. Racial profiling can lead to excessive wellness checks, even when there is no evidence of harm or danger.
It's important to note that wellness checks can be traumatic for individuals who have experienced trauma, such as domestic violence or police brutality. In these cases, a wellness check can trigger feelings of fear, anxiety, and helplessness.
To prevent wellness checks from turning into harassment, law enforcement agencies must follow proper protocol and obtain consent before conducting a check. Additionally, agencies must be aware of the potential for racial profiling and take steps to prevent it from happening.
In conclusion, wellness checks are an important tool for ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals, but they can turn into harassment if not done properly. By following proper protocol and being mindful of potential biases, law enforcement agencies can ensure that wellness checks are done in a way that is respectful and non-invasive.