A police welfare check uncovered two young shooting victims. Here’s what that term means.

It was a phone call to police that led to Horry County authorities to a tragic scene Aug. 31.

Officials said officers responding to a well-being check at a Centennial Circle home uncovered two young shooting victims and their mother, suspected of pulling the trigger before turning the gun on herself.

Here’s what a welfare check means.

They’re also known as wellness checks, are very common in police work

“A welfare check, also known as a wellness check, is when police stop by a person’s home to make sure they are okay. Requests for welfare checks are made by friends, family, and neighbors, typically after someone unexpectedly stops answer their phone or getting in touch with others,” is how online legal resource The Law Dictionary explains them.

Wellness checks have come under scrutiny by mental health advocacy groups

Mad in America, a Massachusetts-based nonprofit that studies psychiatric care in America, are among the organizations that say using police officers as front-line mental health workers is a dangerous precedent.

The Washington Post reported in June that in the past three years, law enforcement killed at least 178 people they were called to help.

Wellness checks can occur without a warrant or court order

As long as police have “reasonable grounds” to believe subjects inside a residence are endangered, they can legally enter.

Typically, they’ll knock on the door or announce their presence before entering.

“This is particularly useful when someone inside the house is unconscious or other unable to respond,” the Law Dictionary states. “The ability to enter the property without permission means that emergency aid can be rendered. In some case, this is a life-saving intervention.”

This story was originally published September 1, 2022 at 3:30 PM.