Understanding Police Record-Keeping for Wellness Checks: What You Need to Know and How to Access Reports

By Samantha CollinsLast Updated April 18, 2025

What Are Wellness Checks and Why Are They Conducted?

Wellness checks, sometimes called welfare checks, are visits by police officers to a person’s residence or location at the request of a concerned party. These checks are typically prompted by worries about a person’s safety or well-being-for example, if someone hasn’t been heard from in an unusual amount of time, or if there are concerns about their physical or mental health. Police conduct wellness checks to ensure that the individual is safe, responsive, and not in distress.

Do Police Departments Keep Records of Wellness Checks?

Police departments routinely document wellness checks as official incidents. The level of detail and method of record-keeping can vary by jurisdiction, but these interactions typically generate some form of police report or log entry. Such records are important for accountability, transparency, and any potential follow-up actions. In most cases, if officers are dispatched to a residence for a wellness check, they will file a report noting the reason for the check, the outcome, and any other relevant observations.

For example, the Albuquerque Police Department processes requests for incident reports, including those related to wellness checks, through its Records Division. Individuals can request a copy of a police report or background check in person or by phone, for a fee per page or a flat background check fee. These records may be subject to certain legal and privacy restrictions [2] .

What Information Is Included in a Wellness Check Record?

A typical wellness check record may contain:

Date and time of the check
Names (if known) and addresses involved
Reason for the wellness check
Observations made by responding officers
Outcome of the check (for example, individual found safe, transported to hospital, or additional follow-up required)
Any actions taken by officers

These records are considered part of the department’s incident reporting system. However, personal and sensitive information may be redacted before release to protect privacy rights, especially if the report contains medical or mental health details.

How to Request a Copy of a Wellness Check Report

If you need to obtain a record of a wellness check (for example, for legal, insurance, or personal reasons), you can generally request it from the records division of the relevant police department. The procedure usually involves the following steps:

Identify the Jurisdiction: Determine which police department conducted the wellness check based on the address where it occurred.
Gather Information: Collect as much detail as possible, such as the date, time, address, and names involved. This helps records staff locate the correct report.
Submit a Request: Most departments require you to submit a formal request, either in person, by phone, by mail, or online. For example, the Albuquerque Police Department allows in-person or phone requests, while the San Antonio Police Department uses an online government portal for open records requests [3] .
Pay Applicable Fees: There is often a fee per page or per report. For instance, APD charges $0.50 per page and $5.00 for background checks. San Antonio Police Department provides records electronically at no cost for single reports under 50 pages, but other formats or larger requests may incur costs.
Wait for Processing: Processing times can vary. Electronic records may be provided faster, while archived or older reports may take longer to retrieve.

Alternative Steps if Online Services Are Unavailable

If your local department does not offer online records requests, you can:

Visit the department’s records division in person during business hours
Call the non-emergency number for instructions on how to request records by mail or fax
Provide all relevant case details to expedite the process

For example, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s Records & Fingerprint Bureau can provide guidance by phone at 702-828-3111 [5] .

Privacy and Legal Considerations

While police keep records of all official interactions, including wellness checks, not all records are automatically available to the public. Laws such as the Public Information Act (in Texas) and state-specific privacy laws may limit access to certain details, particularly if the report contains sensitive information about mental health, medical issues, or ongoing investigations. In many cases, personal identifiers and private details are redacted from reports before they are released. Some states require a signed release or proof of relationship to the individual in question before providing a wellness check record.

Additionally, you may be required to submit a notarized authorization form or show identification when making your request, as is the case with the New Mexico Department of Public Safety [1] .

Common Challenges and Solutions

It’s not uncommon to face obstacles when requesting police records. Some of the most frequent issues include:

Insufficient Information: Providing incomplete or inaccurate details can delay your request. Always gather as much information as possible before submitting your request.
Privacy Restrictions: If you are not the subject of the report or do not have legal standing, you may be denied access to certain records. In these cases, you can consult with an attorney or provide proof of your relationship to the person involved.
Processing Delays: High demand or older records stored off-site can slow down processing. Requesting records electronically and providing a case number can speed up the process.
Fees: Be prepared to pay per page or per report. Some departments accept only checks or money orders for mailed requests; cash or credit card may be accepted in person.

Alternative Approaches to Accessing Wellness Check Information

If you are unable to obtain a police record through standard procedures, consider:

Contacting the records division directly for guidance on your specific situation
Consulting with an attorney familiar with public records laws in your state
Requesting information through the city clerk’s office if directed by police records staff
Searching for public safety or police transparency portals operated by your city or state

For example, the City of El Paso offers online services for crime reports and open record requests through its police department’s website [4] .

Summary and Key Takeaways

Police departments do keep records of wellness checks as part of their standard incident reporting procedures. Accessing these records generally involves submitting a formal request, paying applicable fees, and complying with privacy laws and departmental regulations. While the process can be straightforward, it may require patience and attention to detail, especially if sensitive information is involved.

To maximize your chances of obtaining the information you need:

Identify the correct police department
Gather complete details about the incident
Follow the department’s official request procedures
Be prepared to provide identification and pay any required fees
Understand that certain information may be redacted or withheld for privacy reasons

If you encounter difficulties, seek assistance from legal counsel or your local government’s records office for alternative solutions. Police departments are required to maintain official records of their activities, and wellness checks are no exception, but access is always governed by applicable laws and internal policies.