Police Dispatcher Practice Test

In what situation would 'check welfare' typically be utilized?

1. If a person goes missing during an event

2. When someone reports a potential crime

3. If there is concern for someone’s health or safety

4. When animals are reported roaming freely

The correct answer is: If there is concern for someone’s health or safety

'Check welfare' is typically utilized in situations where there is concern for someone's health or safety. This scenario arises when a dispatcher receives information that an individual may be in distress, experiencing a medical emergency, or possibly facing unsafe living conditions. The primary goal is to ensure that the individual is okay and, if necessary, to activate appropriate emergency services to assist them. In this context, the other options represent different types of situations. For instance, reporting a missing person during an event may lead to a search or investigation but does not inherently indicate immediate concern for welfare. When someone reports a potential crime, the focus is on law enforcement response rather than welfare checks. Lastly, while roaming animals might pose a public safety issue, this situation would typically be addressed by animal control rather than a welfare check for a person. Therefore, 'check welfare' is specifically designed for instances where an individual's well-being is in question, making it the most appropriate and focused response in such cases.