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How to Request a Welfare Check for Someone

Last Updated: October 25, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman . Janice is a professional and creative writer who has worked at wikiHow since 2019. With both a B.A. and M.A. in English from East Stroudsburg University, she has a passion for writing a wide variety of content for anyone and everyone. In her free time, you can find her working on a new crochet pattern, listening to true crime podcasts, or tackling a new creative writing project. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 334,691 times. Learn more...

Do you have a friend, loved one, or acquaintance that you just can’t seem to get in touch with? A welfare check (also known as a wellness check or a police welfare check) could be the solution that you’re looking for. Read on to learn exactly what a welfare check is, as well as how (and when) to request one. With a simple phone call, you’ll be one step closer to reaching the person you’re worried about.

Things You Should Know

• Police officers perform welfare checks on behalf of concerned friends, loved ones, acquaintances, and co-workers.
• Request a welfare check by either calling 911 or a non-emergency police number.
• A consistent lack of contact, mental health crisis, and suspicious activity near someone's home all justify a welfare check.

What is a welfare check?

• Welfare checks are commonly requested for elderly loved ones and neighbors.

How to Request a Welfare Check

• Check your police department’s website to find the non-emergency number. If you’re calling on behalf of a distant friend or relative, be sure to call their local precinct.

• “I wanted to request a welfare check for my neighbor Jane Kelly who lives on 300 Apple Road. She hasn’t gotten her mail in several days and I haven’t seen her around the neighborhood at all. She’s 81, so I’m worried that she might have fallen or suffered a medical emergency.”
• “I’d like to request an immediate welfare check on my friend Josh Adams. He lives in apartment 17B in the Meadow Springs apartment complex on 700 Main Street. He just posted a suicide note on social media, and I’m afraid that he might take his own life.”

• Let’s say you requested a welfare check on your elderly aunt. The police stop by and find that she’s fallen and injured herself. In this case, they’d call for medical assistance before calling you back.

What justifies a welfare check?

• An elderly neighbor who hasn’t left the house in days
• A diligent co-worker who’s inexplicably absent from work for several days in a row
• A responsive friend who hasn’t responded to texts or calls for multiple days

• You can request a welfare check for a friend or loved one who’s experiencing any type of life-threatening mental health crisis. When making the call, ask if a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) is available to help the person in need—CIT officers are best equipped to handle these types of situations. [7] X Trustworthy Source National Alliance on Mental Illness Grassroots mental health-focused organization providing resources, support, and education for those affected by mental illness Go to source

What happens during a welfare check?

• Ask the police officer if you can go with them during the welfare check, especially if you suspect that the person could be having a crisis. It could be comforting for them to see a familiar face during the check-in. [10] X Research source

• Police officers will also check the person’s mail to see if they have any letters or packages piling up.

• Police will ask neighbors if they’ve seen the person recently, or if they know about any spare keys the person might have to their home. They might also contact the person’s family and friends for this type of information.

• Police will often search for an open window or another point of entry before breaking into the home.

Expert Q&A

• If you’re concerned about a child’s welfare (in a case of possible abuse or neglect), call your local police precinct or Child Protective Services (CPS) office to make a report. Once you’ve made the call, a CPS employee will check up on the child. [14] X Trustworthy Source Child Welfare Information Gateway Online portal managed by the U.S. Children's Bureau providing resources related to childcare and abuse prevention Go to source Thanks Helpful 7 Not Helpful 0

• It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to a person’s health and safety! Don’t hesitate to request a welfare check if you suspect that someone is in danger. Thanks Helpful 44 Not Helpful 3

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://thelawdictionary.org/article/what-is-a-police-welfare-check/
• ↑ https://scnova.org/why-arrange-a-welfare-check-on-an-elderly-person/
• ↑ https://legalbeagle.com/5823955-police-welfare-check.html
• ↑ https://nationalpolicesupportfund.com/what-are-police-welfare-checks-2/
• ↑ https://nypost.com/2018/12/17/this-is-why-people-are-suddenly-googling-wellness-checks/
• ↑ https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Family-Members-and-Caregivers/Calling-911-and-Talking-with-Police
• ↑ https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/responding/reporting/how/

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It’s the visit that can save a friend’s life.

A wellness check, or welfare check, is an in-person call from local law enforcement to someone whose behavior has become suspicious in some way. Usually requested by a friend or family member, the service is available to everyone and is something that cops take seriously, says patrolman Justin Insalaco of West Windsor, NJ, who has performed dozens of these concerned house calls.

Wellness checks are getting increased attention after “SNL” cast member Pete Davidson received one from NYPD officials this weekend. The comedian, who recently broke off his engagement with Ariana Grande, posted some alarming messages on his Instagram, before deleting his account altogether.

“I really don’t want to be on this earth anymore,” he wrote. “I actually don’t know how much longer I can last.”

Insalaco says any threat of suicide — verbal, over text or on social media, like Davidson — is a good reason to get the police involved.

“If there’s genuine concern for someone’s well-being, there’s no harm in us going to check it out,” he says.

When the cops show up, Insalaco says “we try to get an idea of someone’s state of mind. If we believe there’s [something wrong], there are resources . . . we’ll ask them, very specifically, are you suicidal?”

Also raising awareness of wellness checks: The 34-year-old CEO of HQ Trivia and former co-founder of Vine was found dead of an apparent drug overdose  Sunday at his Manhattan apartment, police sources told The Post.

Colin Kroll’s body was discovered when his girlfriend called cops because she’d been unable to get a hold of him. She and cops went to Kroll’s Nolita pad on Spring Street, where his body was discovered face-down in his bedroom just after midnight, police said.

Marijuana and heroin were found near his body, and an envelope containing white powder was also recovered in the apartment, sources said. Kroll was declared dead at the scene.

But risk of suicide or drug overdose aren’t the only reasons to request a wellness check, Insalco says.

Police also perform this service if there’s concern for an elderly relative. Insalaco says they often get calls from out-of-state family members who are worried because they can’t get a hold of an aging parent or grandparent.

He recommends that people reach out to law enforcement — either via 911 or by calling the local precinct directly — anytime violence might be on the table.

“You know if your loved one is acting out of character,” he says. “If it seems like they can be detrimental to themselves or others, call.”

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The Law Dictionary

Your Free Online Legal Dictionary • Featuring Black’s Law Dictionary, 2nd Ed.

What Is a Police Welfare Check?

If you have a family member, friend, or neighbor that you are concerned about, it may be time to contact the police to do a welfare check. Whether it is an elderly person that may have passed away in their home, a person having suicidal thoughts, or a neighbor that appears to be in danger, a wellness check can be a lifesaver. In this article, we will discuss what a welfare check is, when it is appropriate to request one, and how to ask the police for one.

What Is a Welfare Check?

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.

Most people think of the police as patrolling the streets looking for wrongdoers or responding to calls. What many people don’t realize is that the police in their community are also available to conduct welfare checks. This essential law enforcement function is an important tool for building safe communities.

When to Request a Wellness Check

Wellness checks were once associated with the elderly, but have recently been a critical tool for the safety of many young people in the country. With the rise in suicide rates among adolescents and young adults, police are doing welfare checks more and more often for those who are at risk of taking their own lives.

Here are common reasons to contact the police about a wellness check are:

• You normally see your neighbor, but it has been an extended period of time since you have. You call him or her and knock at the front door, but there is no answer.
• Your grandpa calls you at least once a week, but you haven’t heard from him. When you try to call him, he doesn’t answer either. He has a heart condition, so you begin to worry.
• You know of a suicidal friend who lives alone. She sent you a text message that causes concern, and you stopped hearing from her after that.
• It’s late at night and you notice suspicious activity at your neighbor’s home.

Regardless of the situation, it is important that you are certain a loved one is in danger before you request a police welfare check.

How to Ask for a Welfare Check

The first step is to get in contact with local law enforcement authorities. You may call 911 if you have reason to believe that there may be an emergency situation in progress. However, you can also contact the police through a non-emergency phone number. Either way, you will need to get in touch with the local police department in the person’s town where the welfare check will be conducted.

If you live in that same area, you may be permitted to accompany the authorities. It is also possible to request a welfare check in another jurisdiction. For instance, if a relative living in another state has not responded to your attempts to contact them for some time, you may want to ask for a welfare check at their residence. It is important to proceed with caution. You’ll want to be reasonably certain that your relative’s behavior is out of character and have reason to believe that something is truly amiss before calling the police.

Legal Considerations

No court order is required for the police to conduct a welfare check. Essentially, as long as they have reasonable grounds to believe that an inhabitant in a residence in endangered, they can legally enter the premises. They typically knock on the door and await a response before announcing their law enforcement affiliation. If they still receive no response, they may enter the property. This is particularly useful when someone inside the house is unconscious or otherwise unable to respond. The ability to enter the property without permission means that emergency aid can be rendered. In some cases, this is a life-saving intervention.

What Happens After a Police Welfare Check?

At the time of the call, most people don’t think about what’s to follow after the authorities check on the individual. If the police go to the location and find that the person is in good health — and it was likely a miscommunication why you were unable to get ahold of him or her — they will notify you to let you know. However, if the police find the person injured, sick, or already deceased, they will call for medical assistance immediately, as well as contact you to come to the scene (they will stay at the home until you arrive). And lastly, if the individual is found dead and there was any foul play involved, a criminal investigation will follow.

And while there are countless reasons why someone may request a police welfare check, the most common reason is to check on an elderly person who lives alone.

Police Wellness Checks In The News

If you’ve never requested a welfare check or experienced one yourself, you may have seen this topic covered on the news. One of the most broadcasted police wellness checks was done at actor and comedian Pete Davidson’s home. Most people know Davidson for his time on Saturday Night Live, as well as his short engagement to Ariana Grande. Following their split last winter, Davidson shared some disturbing thoughts via Instagram, prompting someone in his life to call the police and ask them to check on him. Davidson posted the following cryptic message :

“I really don’t want to be on this earth anymore, I’m doing my best to stay here for you but I actually don’t know how much longer I can last. All I’ve ever tried to do was help people. Just remember I told you so.” Fortunately, an officer from the New York Police Department did a wellness check and later reported that Davidson was out of harm’s way.

Another welfare check that made the news recently didn’t end as well as Davidson’s. According to CNN , a wellness check went “deadly” when police went to check on 28-year-old Atatiana Jefferson in her home after a neighbor requested a welfare check for her. Upon arriving at her home, an officer shot and killed Jefferson.

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The transition into retirement comes with many adjustments and questions. Planning for retirement throughout an officer’s career can help navigate changes in finances, family wellness, and social identity.

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What Is a Police Welfare Check?

By Beverly Bird, Paralegal

November 04, 2019

Reviewed by Michelle Seidel, B.Sc., LL.B., MBA

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• How to Report a Threat to the Police

Aging and infirmity are facts of life, and the elderly and infirm can unfortunately find themselves in positions where they live alone and must fend for themselves. Law enforcement provides these individuals with something of a safety net in case of emergencies ­– police welfare checks, sometimes referred to as wellness checks. Welfare checks are by no means reserved for senior citizens, but the majority of them do involve elderly people who live alone.

What Is a Welfare Check?

When concerned friends or loved ones alert authorities that there might be a problem at a certain address, a police officer will stop by the individual’s home to make sure that she is indeed healthy and fending just fine. This might happen because the person hasn’t been seen or heard from for several days or perhaps because she threatened to harm herself.

How to Contact Law Enforcement for a Welfare Check

Citizens always have the option of calling 911 if they have any reason to believe that an immediate emergency is at hand – and, in fact, they should do so. Maybe they were on the phone with the individual and heard him fall or call out for help, or they noticed someone forcing entry to the person’s home. This would be an emergency situation and it warrants the fastest response time possible.

Otherwise, calling the police nonemergency number is appropriate. The caller is simply asking authorities in the municipality or location where the individual is located to swing by and make sure that all is as it should be. The nonemergency phone number should appear on the police department’s website.

Callers should be absolutely clear about why they’re making contact with the police and why they're asking for assistance. They should provide as many details as possible. How police respond can depend on their assessment of a situation based on the facts provided.

The Welfare Check Process

Law enforcement personnel will typically knock or ring the doorbell first, then call out their presence and identify themselves as police officers. Callers who reside nearby to the individual who might need assistance can ask the police to accompany them to the individual’s home. There’s no guarantee that the authorities will agree, but the caller’s presence might be a calming influence for someone who’s in trouble – or someone who’s just fine, but becomes understandably alarmed by the appearance of police at her front door.

Otherwise, the authorities will mostly like notify the caller after their visit if everything is fine. And if everything isn’t fine, they’ll take whatever steps are necessary to render emergency aid or call for an ambulance and medical personnel if required.

Issues of Forced Entry

Police don’t need a court order or a warrant to perform a welfare check, and they can legally enter the residence if they receive no response after ringing the bell or knocking and announcing their presence. This can be something of a thorny issue, but it only makes sense.

Something might be seriously wrong if the individual doesn’t respond, and the situation might deteriorate or even become potentially deadly if police are forced to wait outside for a judge’s nod of approval before entering. The lack of a response gives rise to a reasonable belief that something is indeed wrong; it provides reasonable grounds to enter the house.

Individuals who aren’t experiencing an emergency when the police arrive have every right to deny the police entrance to their homes when officers don’t have a warrant. But again, this can be tricky. In a worst-case scenario, the individual might be held hostage and her captor has instructed her to tell officers to go away. It can come down to a judgment call by police.

Should You Call the Police?

Time can obviously be of the essence in many of these situations, but callers should nonetheless be pretty sure that something is wrong before calling the authorities for a welfare check.

Maybe Aunt Gladys calls every Thursday evening at 6 p.m., but she didn’t do so this week. This might warrant a phone call to her or a visit to her home to size up the situation, if possible. Calling the police for a welfare or wellness check would be a viable option if these efforts don’t result in contact with Aunt Gladys. Read More: How to Sue a Police Department

• The Law Dictionary: What Is a Police Welfare Check?
• Reference.com: What Is a Police Welfare Check?
• Encyclopedia.com: What Is a Police Welfare Check?
• Law Office of Steven R. Hunter: Police Wellness Checks
• Rosenblum Law: When Can Police Enter Your Home (New Jersey)?

Beverly Bird is a practicing paralegal who has been writing professionally on legal subjects for over 30 years. She specializes in family law and estate law and has mediated family custody issues.

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            First Responders   Wellness Center

Wellness Visits

The First Responders Wellness Center offers the confidential wellness visits/"mental health screenings" per "Public Act 101-652" of the SAFE-T Act that are highly recommended and suggested for all police department members starting January 2022.

A ‘wellness visit’ is a 45 or 55 minute one-on one session with a licensed mental health professional to discuss an employee’s current abilities to cope with job stressors and to learn additional healthy ways to deal with these and future stressors.    

The wellness check is not a fitness for duty evaluation and is not a form of punishment.  The wellness check is individualized training and is considered an officer safety course as there are still more first responders that commit suicide then get killed in the line of duty. 

The wellness visit is not intended to screen for a mental health diagnosis or disorder.   The wellness visit offers an opportunity for an employee to discuss coping strategies and solutions to deal with the various stressors of being a first responder as well as be given psychoeducation about individual mental health wellness.    

The wellness visit is usually completed yearly, and the cost is covered by the department or county agency.   However, if an employee would want additional sessions with a mental health professional, they would be offered to be seen by a First Responder Wellness Center mental health professional or would be given referrals to other mental health professionals outside of the wellness visits.  Any additional sessions would be at the cost of the individual employee utilizing their own insurance or payment methods and is not covered by the department or county.

The only information that is shared with the department or county would be the employee’s name and attendance date.    All conversations shared with a mental health professionals are confidential except in the following circumstance, as required by law: 

1) An employee is deemed an immediate threat to themselves or another.  Even in this situation, the clinician will take time to assess the threat; 2) An employee discloses that they are abusing a child, elderly or disabled person.   

The First Responders Wellness Center would be willing to conduct the wellness checks at a confidential location at your facility or one of our offices in Lombard, Lincolnshire/Deerfield, or Chicago.    

The First Responders Wellness Center has 11 staff members that are all current or former first responders, family of first responders, or professional who worked directly with first responders that could accommodate seeing employees at different days and times M-F from 8 am to 8 pm or Saturday from 9-2 pm.     

Common Questions: 

Is the wellness check confidential to the member?

Th e member who is completing the wellness visit  does have confidentiality of the content of what is discussed during the time.  The only information that is shared with the department is the date and time of attendance to the wellness check.  Nothing else will be shared with the department.    

What if  a department member appears to need additional mental health treatment during the wellness visit? 

The therapist will recommend therapy, but it is up to the department member themselves to determine if they want to go.  They also can choose whomever they want to see as a clinician or center.   The department will not be notified of any possible recommendations during the wellness check.    

If a department member wants to come to therapy, is the department notified?

No, the department will not be notified, this will be confidential between the clinician and the department member.    The First Responders Wellness Center clinicians can see the member or they can choose whomever they want.  

What is the department member does not talk?

We feel confident that we can build rapport with members of police and public safety community.   We have not had issues with this since we have started in 2015 and find that most members are very talkative.  We also give handouts, ask questions, and the member has a choice of what they would like to discuss.  

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What Happens During a Wellness Visit?

Sanjana is a health writer and editor. Her work spans various health-related topics, including mental health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness.

Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital.

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Importance of a Wellness Visit

• What to Expect
• How to Prepare

A wellness visit is a health check-up that is typically conducted on an annual basis. It involves visiting your healthcare provider to check your vitals, screen for health conditions , and develop a healthcare plan for your needs.

The aim of a wellness visit is to promote health and prevent disease and disability.

This article explains why annual wellness visits are important, what you can expect during the process, and how to prepare for it.

These are some reasons why wellness visits are important.

Prevent Diseases

Most healthcare visits are categorized under diagnostic care; when you have a health problem, you visit a healthcare provider who assesses your symptoms, diagnoses your condition, and prescribes a treatment plan.

A wellness visit on the other hand is a preventative healthcare measure. The aim of preventative healthcare is to help you maintain good health and prevent health problems before they develop. The goal is to help you live a longer, healthier life.

Wellness visits assess your lifestyle, evaluate health risks, and screen for health conditions, in order to prevent health problems or catch them in the early stages. Instead of waiting to see a healthcare provider once you have a health problem, the idea is to be proactive about your health and work with your healthcare provider to prevent health problems.

People tend to think that it’s fine to skip their annual wellness visit if they’re feeling healthy. However, a 2021 study notes that wellness visits can play a role in catching chronic health conditions early, as well as helping people control for risk factors that could cause them to develop health issues down the line.

Reduce Medical Costs

Wellness visits can help prevent disease and disability, which in turn can help reduce medical costs. According to a 2016 study, a focus on preventive healthcare can significantly reduce medical costs and improve the quality of healthcare services.

What to Expect During a Wellness Visit

A wellness visit may be performed by a healthcare provider such as a doctor, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, physician assistant, or other qualified health professional.

These are some of the steps a wellness visit may involve:

• Family history: Your healthcare provider may ask you detailed questions about your family’s medical history, to determine whether you are at an increased risk for certain health conditions that may be passed on genetically .
• Medical history: You may also be asked questions about your personal medical history. It can include information about any current or previous diseases, allergies, illnesses, surgeries, accidents, medications, vaccinations, and hospitalizations, as well as the results of any medical tests and examinations.
• Measurements: Your healthcare provider may measure your height, weight, heart rate, blood pressure, and other vital signs. Doing this regularly can help you establish a baseline as well as track any changes in your health.
• Cognitive assessment: Your healthcare provider may assess your ability to think, remember, learn, and concentrate, in order to screen for conditions such as Alzhemer’s disease and dementia.
• Mental health assessment: Your healthcare provider may also assess your mental health and state of mind, to help screen for conditions such as depression and other mood disorders.
• Physical assessment: Your healthcare provider may perform a physical examination to check your reflexes. They may also perform a neurological exam, a head and neck exam, an abdominal exam, or a lung exam.
• Functional assessment: Your healthcare provider may assess your hearing, your vision, your ability to perform day-to-day tasks, your risk of falling, and the safety of your home environment.
• Lifestyle factors: Your healthcare provider may ask you questions about your nutrition, fitness, daily habits, work, stress levels, and consumption of substances such as tobacco, nicotine, alcohol, and drugs.
• Health risk assessment: Based on this information, your healthcare provider will evaluate your health, and determine whether you are at an increased risk for any health conditions.
• Health advice: Your healthcare provider may advise you on steps you can take to improve your health, control risk factors, and prevent disease and disability. This may include nutrition counseling, an exercise plan, flu shot and vaccination recommendations, and fall prevention strategies, among other things.
• Screenings: Your healthcare provider may recommend that you get screened for certain health conditions such as depression , cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, or liver conditions. This may involve blood work, imaging scans, or other screening tests. 
• Medication review: Your healthcare provider may review your medication and adjust it, if required. This can include prescription medication, over-the-counter medication, vitamins, supplements, and herbal or traditional medication.
• Referrals and resources: If required, your healthcare provider will provide a referral to other healthcare specialists. They can also provide other resources that may be helpful, such as counseling services or support groups , for instance.
• Medical providers: Your healthcare provider will work with you to create or update a list of your current medical providers and equipment suppliers. This list can be helpful in case of an emergency.
• Healthcare plan: Your healthcare provider will work with you to create a healthcare plan that is tailored to your needs. The plan will serve as a checklist that will list any screenings or preventive measures you need to take over the next five to 10 years.

The screenings, assessments, and healthcare plan can vary depending on factors such as your age, gender, lifestyle, and risk factors.

How to Prepare for a Wellness Visit

These are some steps that can help you prepare for a wellness visit:

• Fill out any required questionnaires: Your healthcare provider may ask you to fill out a questionnaire before your visit. The questionnaire may include some of the factors listed above. Make sure you do it before your visit, so that you can make the most of your time with your healthcare provider.
• Carry your medications: If possible, try to carry your medications with you to show them to your healthcare provider.
• Take your medical documents along: It can be helpful to carry your prescriptions, immunization records, as well as the results of any medical tests or screenings you have had, to help give your healthcare provider a more accurate picture of your health status.
• Ask someone to go with you: You may want to take a trusted friend or family member along with you for the wellness visit. They can assist you if required, take notes for you, ask questions, and help you remember your healthcare provider’s instructions.
• Note down questions and concerns: A wellness visit is a good opportunity to ask your healthcare provider any questions you have about your health and tell them about any health problems or concerns you have. Making a list and carrying it with you to the visit can help ensure that you don’t miss anything.
• Check your insurance plan: Most insurance plans cover wellness visits; however, what is covered as part of the wellness visit can vary depending on the plan. It can be helpful to know what preventative services and wellness visits your plan offers. It’s important to check that your healthcare provider takes your insurance and to inform them that you’ll be coming for a wellness visit when you schedule your appointment.

A Word From Verywell

A wellness visit can help you evaluate your health status, understand your risk for specific health conditions, and give you the information and resources you need to improve your health.

After you go for a wellness visit, it’s important that you start implementing your healthcare provider’s advice, take any follow-up appointments necessary, and take steps to improve your health.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Get your wellness visit every year .

University Hospitals. What you need to know about wellness visits .

Liss DT, Uchida T, Wilkes CL, Radakrishnan A, Linder JA. General health checks in adult primary care: a review . JAMA . 2021;325(22):2294-2306. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.6524

Musich S, Wang S, Hawkins K, Klemes A. The impact of personalized preventive care on health care quality, utilization, and expenditures . Popul Health Manag . 2016;19(6):389-397. doi:10.1089/pop.2015.0171

Alzheimer’s Association. Annual wellness visit .

University of Michigan Health. Your yearly wellness visit .

By Sanjana Gupta Sanjana is a health writer and editor. Her work spans various health-related topics, including mental health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness.

Regular meditation can help improve symptoms of stress-related conditions, lower blood pressure and prevent heart disease, and can improve sleep quality.

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24 wellness tips for law enforcement officers in 2024

It can be challenging for officers to set time aside to keep a healthy mind and body; here’s our top 24 wellness tips for you to concentrate on this year.

Dedicating time to focus on your health and wellness is important, but it can also be challenging for police officers to set time aside to keep a healthy mind and body. Our top wellness tip? Start small and stay consistent.

But we know you’ll need more as you continue to strive to ensure you’re always at your best – both on and off duty. Below, we’ve rounded up 24 wellness tips for you to concentrate on this year.

[ To download a one-page sheet of the top tips in this article for your reference or sharing at your agency, click here to complete the “Access this Police1 Resource” box! ]

Family and home

1. Connect with your family. You spend long shifts away from your family. Instead of going to the gym to workout, go home and exercise with your family. Get creative in the activities you do together – like completing a yoga challenge or even playing a dancing video game.

2. Spend time in nature. On your next day off, take that hike you’ve been wanting to tackle with a friend, neighbor, spouse, family member or dog. Being outside not only boosts your mood and mental health, but it also reduces stress, anxiety and depression.

3. Practice daily meditation . Regular practice can help improve symptoms of stress-related conditions, lower blood pressure and prevent heart disease, and can improve sleep quality. Bonus points if you include a spouse or significant other in your meditation practice.

4. Start journaling . This could be as simple as writing down three things you’re grateful for each day. Be specific and write them down at night. Or you could even journal in the morning to start the day off right.

5. Connect with your spouse, children or family members. Maybe this looks like a regularly scheduled date night where you don’t talk about work or the kids. Or perhaps grilling or cooking your favorite meal for your loved ones helps ease the stress from the day. After all, there’s nothing like a summer BBQ with good friends and family.

Communication

6. Talk about your day, your stresses and your feelings. Don’t bottle them up. Talking things out – whether that’s with a mental health professional, spouse, family member, friend or colleague – helps your body and mind release tension. This isn’t a sign of weakness. Rather, it’s a sign of strength to take charge of your wellbeing.

7. Listen to a friend. If you open up, it could encourage others to do the same. You may have similar problems and can help each other come up with ideas on how to tackle certain difficulties. This makes others feel more supported and less alone.

8. Check in on your strong friends. We all have that one person in our life who seems to have it all together and is ready at a moment’s notice to lend a listening ear. But is their emotional wellness being forgotten or overlooked? Ask your strongest friends, family members or colleagues how they’re doing and really listen to their answer. Don’t forget to check in on the people who support you. They likely need you just as much as you need them.

Watch the video below: Lexipol’s Dr. Rachelle Zemlok, PsyD, talks about the importance of good listeners.

9. Ditch the texts and make a phone call. It’s easier to text someone you’re doing great than call them and let them hear your tone that indicates you’re not OK. Maybe after shift, you go home to an empty house. It’s quiet. You have a lot of time on your hands to think, analyze and pick apart your day. Pick up the phone and talk to someone. You don’t have to talk for hours. You don’t even have to talk about work. Touching base can help you feel more connected to others outside of law enforcement.

10. Create and maintain healthy boundaries. Do you have a difficult time saying “no” to things because you don’t want to let people down? We get it. But it’s vital for you to understand when too much is just simply too much. Setting boundaries and communicating this with others will save you added stress and allow you to spend your time the way you want to (especially off duty). It’s OK to say no – with no guilt attached.

Hobbies and interests

11. Pick one day each month to reconnect with your family or friends. You probably find yourself missing a lot of important events like holidays, birthdays and anniversaries. While some of those things might be unavoidable given your schedule, it doesn’t mean you have to miss out altogether. Did you miss family movie night last Friday? Look at your schedule, pick out another movie night and make sure the next one happens with you there.

12. Pursue a hobby outside of law enforcement. Give your mind and body a much-deserved breather. Some examples: cooking, baking, hunting, fishing, bird watching, painting, knitting, singing, playing instruments or dancing. The options are endless.

13. Read a book . Reading for just six minutes a day can improve your sleep quality and reduce stress. Reading can even relax your body enough to lower your heart rate and ease muscle tension. Mental health professionals even use books – recognized as bibliotherapy – to help support someone with mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression or complicated grief.

14. Dance like nobody is watching. When you dance, you release endorphins into your body that reduce your stress and improve your mood. It’s also a great social activity and helps with emotional expression.

15. Learn a new language. This not only will help you communicate better with people in your community as a police officer, but it will literally make your brain stronger. When you learn a new language, you’re increasing the white matter of your brain. In turn, people who speak more than one language have better cognitive functions, leading to a greater ability to concentrate, multitask, manage conflict and recall events.

16. Plan and book a vacation. We know you’re busy, but we also know you probably have a lot of hoarded vacation time. Use it, especially if you’re feeling burned out. Traveling has been linked to stress reduction and you’re likely to experience a mood lift from the break in shift work.

17. Schedule a massage . A massage can help ease tension in your muscles, improve circulation in your body, reduce pain and even improve your sleep.

18. Try acupuncture. This is especially beneficial for officers since many deal with chronic stress. Acupuncture helps improve your mood, emotional regulation, blood pressure and heart rate.

19. Unplug from social media. Stop the doomscrolling – all it does is take a negative toll on your mind and emotions. In turn, this could lead to loss of sleep, appetite or motivation. You don’t need to disconnect completely but consider turning on the “downtime” setting on your smartphone. With “downtime” turned on, only the apps you’ve selected and phone calls will be available. They will turn back on according to the scheduled time you’ve chosen in your phone’s settings.

20. Take care of your body by eating nourishing foods . The food you consume directly affects your mood and ability to focus. Stick to a diet of nutrient-rich foods instead of processed foods.

Watch the video below: Lexipol’s Dr. Rachelle Zemlok, PsyD, explains how shifting your focus on what you can control can reduce stress.

Physical activity

21. Start a workout routine. You don’t have to work out 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Focus on working out smarter, not harder . Try doing two 15-minute workouts or three 10-minute workouts. You don’t need to do them consecutively; you can break them up throughout your day.

22. Get involved in Jiu-Jitsu. There’s an obvious physical health element of Jiu-Jitsu training , but there’s also a mental wellness aspect of this type of exercise. Don’t be surprised if you notice your mind becomes clearer and your stress levels lessen while training on the mat.

23. Try yoga. Law enforcement officers are prone to tight hip and lower back muscles. Aside from the flexibility benefits, yoga can also increase your ability to focus and problem solve, as well as aid in your situational awareness while on duty. Here are five reasons to change your mind about yoga and take it seriously.

24. Focus on functional fitness training. This involves exercises that simulate real-life tasks and scenarios you might face on duty, such as sprinting, tackling or maneuvering in tight spaces. An example could be a drill that combines sprinting to a designated point, performing a series of bodyweight exercises (like push-ups or squats) and then executing a simulated arrest maneuver. This type of training helps improve the physical abilities needed for your duties, enhances agility and reduces the risk of injury.

This article, originally published on March 29, 2023, has been updated.

Sarah Calams, who previously served as associate editor of FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com, is the senior editor of Police1.com and Corrections1.com. In addition to her regular editing duties, Sarah delves deep into the people and issues that make up the public safety industry to bring insights and lessons learned to first responders everywhere.

Sarah graduated with a bachelor’s degree in news/editorial journalism at the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas. Have a story idea you’d like to discuss? Send Sarah an email or reach out on LinkedIn.

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Is It Safe in Moscow?

Stanislav Solntsev / Getty Images

When you visit Moscow , Russia, you’re seeing one of the world’s largest, and most expensive, capital cities . While there is a history of violent crime against foreign journalists and aid personnel in Russia, a trip to Moscow is usually safe for mainstream travelers. Most tourists in Moscow only face potential issues with petty crime, though terrorism is also a concern. Visitors should stick to the principal tourist areas and abide by the local security advice.

Travel Advisories

• The U.S. Department of State urges travelers to avoid travel to Russia because of COVID-19 and to "exercise increased caution due to terrorism, harassment, and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws."  
• Anyone exploring more of Russia should avoid "The North Caucasus, including Chechnya and Mount Elbrus, due to terrorism, kidnapping,   and   risk of civil unrest." Also, travelers should stay away from "Crimea due to Russia’s occupation of the Ukrainian territory   and   abuses by its occupying authorities."  
• Canada states travelers should use a high degree of caution in Russia due to the threat of terrorism and crime.  

Is Moscow Dangerous?

The Moscow city center is typically safe. In general, the closer you are to the Kremlin , the better. Travelers mainly need to be aware of their surroundings and look out for petty crime. Be especially careful in tourist areas such as Arbat Street and crowded places like the Moscow Metro transit system. The suburbs are also generally fine, though it is advised to stay away from Maryino and Perovo districts.

Terrorism has occurred in the Moscow area, leading authorities to increase security measures. Be more careful at tourist and transportation hubs, places of worship, government buildings, schools, airports, crowds, open markets, and additional tourist sites.

Pickpockets and purse snatching happen often in Russia, perpetrated by groups of children and teenagers who distract tourists to get their wallets and credit cards. Beware of people asking you for help, who then trick you into their scheme. Don’t expect a backpack to be a safe bag bet; instead, invest in something that you can clutch close to your body or purchase a money belt . Always diversify, storing some money in a separate location so that if you are pickpocketed, you'll have cash elsewhere. Keep an eye out for thieves in public transportation, underground walkways, tourist spots, restaurants, hotel rooms and homes, restaurants, and markets.

Is Moscow Safe for Solo Travelers?

Large cities like Moscow in Russia are overall fairly safe if you are traveling alone, and the Moscow Metro public transit is a secure and easy way to get around. But it is still a good idea to follow basic precautions as in any destination. Avoid exploring alone at night, especially in bad areas. You may want to learn some basic Russian phrases or bring a dictionary, as many locals don't speak English. However, in case you need any help, there are tourist police that speak English. Also, exploring with other trusted travelers and locals or on professional tours is often a good way to feel safe.

Is Moscow Safe for Female Travelers?

Catcalling and street harassment are infrequent in Moscow and the rest of Russia and females traveling alone don't usually have problems. There are plenty of police officers on the streets as well. Still, it serves to stick to Moscow's well-lit, public areas, avoid solo night walks, and use your instincts. Women frequenting bars may take receive some friendly attention. Females can wear whatever they want, but those entering Orthodox churches will be required to cover up. Though women in Russia are independent, domestic violence and other inequality issues take place regularly.

Safety Tips for LGBTQ+ Travelers

Russia is not known as a gay-friendly country. However, Moscow is one of the more welcoming cities with a blooming LGBTQ+ community and many friendly restaurants, bars, clubs, and other venues. Hate crimes in Russia have increased since the 2013 anti-gay propaganda law. Openly LGBTQ+ tourists in this conservative country may experience homophobic remarks, discrimination, or even violence, especially if traveling with a partner. Also, while women hold hands or hug publicly—whether romantically involved or not—men should avoid public displays of affection to prevent being insulted or other issues.

Safety Tips for BIPOC Travelers

Moscow  and other big cities in Russia have sizable populations of various cultures, so discrimination against BIPOC travelers is rarer than in other parts of the country where it can become dangerous. Some people living in Russia who are Black, Asian, Jewish, and from other backgrounds have experienced racial discrimination and violence. Tourists won't usually experience overt racism but may be the recipients of some stares. If anyone should bother you, be polite and resist being taunted into physically defending yourself.

Safety Tips for Travelers

Travelers should consider the following general tips when visiting:

• It's best not to drink the tap water. If you do, boil it before drinking, though showering is safe and the amount used to brush teeth is generally not harmful. Mineral water is widely drunk, especially at restaurants, and if you prefer not to have it carbonated ask for “ voda byez gaz” (water without gas).
• If you need emergency assistance in case of fire, terrorism, medical issues, or more, dial 112 in Russia for bilingual operators.
• Be judicious about taking photographs, especially of police or officials. This can potentially bring unwanted attention to yourself by members of law enforcement who won’t mind asking to see your passport. Also avoid snapping photos of official-looking buildings, such as embassies and government headquarters.
• Carry your passport in as secure a manner as possible. If you get stopped for any reason by the police, they can fine or arrest you if you don't have the document with you. Also, keep photocopies of your passport, the page on which your travel visa appears, and any other documents that relate to your stay in Russia.
• Use official taxis only and steer clear of illegal taxi companies, especially at night. Ask your hotel to call a reputable taxi company.

U.S. Department of State. " Russia Travel Advisory ." August 6, 2020.

Government of Canada. " Official Global Travel Advisories ." November 19, 2020.

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Cost of protecting Biden on visits home to Delaware is drain on troopers and state coffers

This story was produced by Spotlight Delaware as part of a partnership with Delaware Online/The News Journal. For more about Spotlight Delaware, visit  www.spotlightdelaware.org .

President Joe Biden’s frequent trips back to his home state have become routine to most Delawareans more than three years into his term, but the scores of trips have also become a drain on state coffers and the downtime of troopers.

Last year, Biden returned to Delaware 30 times, or nearly three times the number of visits as those to Pennsylvania and Maryland, which ranked second with 11 trips each. The purpose of visits have ranged from attending the dignified transfer of fallen military members at Dover Air Force Base, visiting with campaign staffers in Wilmington, announcing major policy initiatives in Bear or simply getting some rest at either his Greenville or Rehoboth Beach-area homes.

Every time the president moves within the state, however, the U.S. Secret Service requests a variety of law enforcement, emergency medical and transportation logistics support to ensure his safe and quick travel. The local agency most burdened by those movements – which numbered more than 130 in 2023 – is the Delaware State Police.

Operational support for Biden’s visits, including several special units and command and control elements from DSP, encompassed a total of 14,448 man hours, according to Col. Nathaniel McQueen Jr., secretary for the Delaware Department of Safety & Homeland Security that oversees the statewide police force.

What does it take?

Even prior to the president’s arrival at landing spots like Delaware Air National Guard 166th Airlift Wing, Dover Air Force Base or Gordons Pond State Park, state law enforcement are on the move to secure arrival and destination spots.

According to McQueen, the number of troopers involved in Biden’s movements could number as many as 50 and include department SUVs, helicopters, bomb trucks, command posts, motorcycles, Special Operations Response Team (S.O.R.T.) vehicles, and other specialty vehicles. DSP declined to disclose specific numbers of troopers assigned to the presidential detail in various scenarios as it “could jeopardize safety and security protocols.”

Typically leading DSP’s efforts is Troop 1, the barrack headquartered off Kirkwood Highway near the president’s Greenville home, which is where Biden spends the majority of his time in state.

Other police agencies, including the New Castle County and Wilmington police departments, have been called upon to help with presidential detail and each county provides an ambulance crew that travels with the president in case of emergency.

Feds cover some costs

Recognizing that presidential visits carry a cost to local agencies, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security approved the  Presidential Residence Protection Assistance  grant in 2017. The grants reimburse state and local law enforcement agencies for operational overtime costs incurred while protecting the president at home.

The Delaware Criminal Justice Council, a state clearinghouse entity that handles all federal grant applications for state law enforcement agencies, collects the necessary data and is reimbursed following the end of the Sept. 30 federal fiscal year.

Over the first two fiscal years of the Biden administration, Delaware has recouped more than $3.5 million  from the PRPA fund .

However, the grant only covers officers on overtime duty, and no funds can be reimbursed for officers on regular duty. On occasion, regular duty troopers are needed for Biden’s protection based on staffing levels and unexpected movements.

“We don’t pull [troopers] off of a shift unless it’s an emergent situation … By and large, we try to staff that in an overtime capacity just for the purpose of recouping the expense and not depleting the patrol or CIU [Criminal Investigation Unit],” Delaware State Police Superintendent Col. Melissa Zebley told the state legislature’s Joint Finance Committee last month.

One significant cost that the state cannot recoup is fuel costs for the vehicles utilized though. Last year, that totaled about $400,000 when accounting for patrol cars, helicopters and specialty vehicles, according to DSP.

Department leaders are asking state taxpayers to cover that cost in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2025 budget – a reality that McQueen told state legislators was “a challenge.”

When asked about the detail’s costs to state police, a White House spokesperson said only that President Biden is thankful for the support of local law enforcement.

“President Biden traveled home to Wilmington every day during his 36-year Senate career, and Delaware is never far from his heart. Now as President, he’s grateful for the welcome he receives from Delawareans when he is able to return home to Wilmington and Rehoboth. And he’s immensely grateful for the law enforcement officers who help protect him and his family on their travel to Delaware and every other state in the union,” said Robyn Patterson, assistant press secretary for the White House.

A personnel cost

Aside from the financial cost to state taxpayers of Biden’s frequent trips home, the visits are also an additional burden on the rank-and-file of Delaware’s law enforcement agencies, who are contending with dwindling staffing levels.

With upward of 50 troopers called to duty for Biden’s movements, it means that an estimated 15% of troopers are being utilized on their scheduled off days from 12-hour shifts.

Like many law enforcement agencies, DSP has faced challenges in boosting its ranks and still must confront a rising number of retirements in coming years.

As of last month, Delaware State Police had 699 sworn active-duty troopers, according to a department spokeswoman. That total included 19 recruits who are scheduled to graduate soon, however, and DSP has an approved budget for up to 750 troopers.

The state police has seen falling interest in recruitment in the last five years, with applications falling about 70% since 2018, according to Zebley. The latest 31-person recruiting class was the largest in several years. A decade ago, it was common to have a few thousand applicants while today that number is around 100.

Requests for comment on that impact to trooper morale and readiness were not returned by leaders of the Delaware State Troopers Association, the union for state troopers.

State Sen. David Lawson (R-Marydel), who retired from DSP in 1992 after serving 19 years as a trooper, questioned the impact that the duties were having though. He said that getting a fully scheduled rest was “critical” for a law enforcement officer, especially under the current 12-hour shift model.

“That shift is excruciatingly long,” he said, noting that the requirements of the president’s frequent visits only adds to the overall stress and fatigue to those officers. “When it comes to moving the president, [DSP] is short-changed in a lot of ways in taking care of the hometown boy.”

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In the aftermath of the Moscow concert hall attack, is a harsher era under Putin in the works?

FILE - Saidakrami Murodali Rachabalizoda, a suspect in the Crocus City Hall shootings, is escorted by police and FSB officers in Basmanny District Court in Moscow, Russia, on March 24, 2024. The attack on the Moscow concert hall, the bloodiest assault on Russian soil in two decades, appears to be setting the stage for an increasingly harsh response by President Vladimir Putin. Four suspects in the attack appeared in court showing signs of brutal treatment while in custody. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, File)

FILE - Saidakrami Murodali Rachabalizoda, a suspect in the Crocus City Hall shootings, sits in a defendants’ cage in Basmanny District Court in Moscow, Russia, on March 24, 2024. The attack on the Moscow concert hall, the bloodiest assault on Russian soil in two decades, appears to be setting the stage for an increasingly harsh response by President Vladimir Putin. Four suspects in the attack appeared in court showing signs of brutal treatment while in custody. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, File)

FILE - Dalerdzhon Mirzoyev, a suspect in the Crocus City Hall shootings, sits in a defendants’ cage in Basmanny District Court in Moscow, Russia, on March 24, 2024. The attack on the Moscow concert hall, the bloodiest assault on the Russian soil in two decades, appears to be setting the stage for an increasingly harsh response by President Vladimir Putin. Four suspects in the attack appeared in court showing signs of brutal treatment while in custody. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, File)

Mukhammadsobir Faizov, a suspect in the Crocus City Hall shootings, sits in a defendants’ cage in Basmanny District Court in Moscow, Russia, on March 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, File)

FILE - Rosguardia (Russian National Guard) servicemen secure an area at the Crocus City Hall on the western edge of Moscow, Russia, on March 23, 2024. The attack on the concert hall, the bloodiest assault on Russian soil in two decades, appears to be setting the stage for an increasingly harsh response by President Vladimir Putin. Four suspects in the attack appeared in court showing signs of brutal treatment while in custody. (Alexander Avilov/Moscow News Agency via AP, File)

FILE - A couple stand at a makeshift memorial in front of the Crocus City Hall on the western outskirts of Moscow, Russia, on March 26, 2024. The attack on the concert hall, the bloodiest assault on Russian soil in two decades, appears to be setting the stage for an increasingly harsh response by President Vladimir Putin. Four suspects in the attack appeared in court showing signs of brutal treatment while in custody. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, File)

FILE - Russian President Vladimir Putin lights a candle on March 24, 2024, to commemorate victims of a deadly attack two days earlier at the Crocus City Hall. The attack on the concert hall, the bloodiest assault on Russian soil in two decades, appears to be setting the stage for an increasingly harsh response by President Vladimir Putin. Four suspects in the attack appeared in court showing signs of brutal treatment while in custody. (Mikhail Metzel, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP, File)

Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russia’s Security Council, speaks at a lecture at the 2024 World Youth Festival in Sochi, Russia, Monday, March 4, 2024. Medvedev later declared that if investigators prove Ukraine’s involvement in the March 22 concert hall attack in Moscow, Russia should respond by deploying hit men to kill Ukrainian leaders. (Ekaterina Shtukina, Sputnik Pool Photo via AP)

FILE - Dalerdzhon Mirzoyev, a suspect in the Crocus City Hall shooting, sits in a defendants’ cage in Basmanny District Court in Moscow, Russia, on March 24, 2024. The attack on the concert hall, the bloodiest assault on Russian soil in two decades, appears to be setting the stage for an increasingly harsh response by President Vladimir Putin. Four suspects in the attack appeared in court showing signs of brutal treatment while in custody. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, File)

FILE - Saidakrami Murodali Rachabalizoda, a suspect in the Crocus City Hall shooting, sits in a defendants’ cage in Basmanny District Court in Moscow, Russia, on March 24, 2024. The attack on the concert hall, the bloodiest assault on Russian soil in two decades, appears to be setting the stage for an increasingly harsh response by President Vladimir Putin. Four suspects in the attack appeared in court showing signs of brutal treatment while in custody. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, File)

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Video and photos of suspects in a mass shooting show them apparently being brutalized by Russian security forces — without any rebuke from authorities. A top Kremlin official urges that hit squads be sent to assassinate Ukrainian officials. Senior lawmakers call for restoring capital punishment, abolished decades ago.

The aftermath of the Moscow concert hall attack that killed 145 people in the bloodiest assault in Russia in two decades seems to be setting the stage for even harsher rule by President Vladimir Putin following his highly orchestrated electoral landslide last month.

FILE - Rosguardia (Russian National Guard) servicemen secure an area at the Crocus City Hall on the western edge of Moscow, Russia, on March 23, 2024. (Alexander Avilov/Moscow News Agency via AP, File)

Putin vowed to hunt down the masterminds of the March 22 attack that he linked to Ukraine despite Kyiv’s vehement denials and a claim of responsibility by an offshoot of the Islamic State group. He warned ominously that terrorism is a “double-edged weapon.”

Putin lieutenant Dmitry Medvedev declared that if Ukrainian involvement is proven, Moscow should respond by deploying hit men to kill the country’s leaders “in Kyiv or any other convenient place.”

The attack dealt a heavy blow to Putin less than a week after the vote that extended his rule for another six-years. It marked a major failure by his security agencies that were given an advance warning by the U.S. that extremists were planning an imminent attack.

Critics of the Kremlin argue that security forces are so focused on conducting the harshest crackdown on dissent since Soviet times that they are distracted from tackling real threats.

FILE - A couple stand at a makeshift memorial in front of the Crocus City Hall on the western outskirts of Moscow, Russia, on March 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, File)

In an apparent attempt to divert attention from the security lapse and rally support for the war in Ukraine, Putin and his lieutenants alleged — without evidence — that the arrest of the four suspects near Ukraine indicated Kyiv’s likely involvement.

The four, all citizens of Tajikistan, were detained by security forces in a forest about 140 kilometers (86 miles) from the Ukrainian border.

Video confessions of their involvement in the attack were released by Russian news outlets, but the veracity of those statements has been called into question because the men seemed to have been severely beaten and bore other signs of brutality when they appeared in court.

One had a heavily bandaged ear -– reportedly cut off during interrogation. Another had pieces of a plastic bag on his neck, a possible sign of attempts at suffocation. A third was in a wheelchair, barely conscious, accompanied by medical personnel.

Russian police and other security agencies have long been accused of torture, but many incidents also brought official condemnation, dismissals of those involved and criminal prosecutions.

In stark contrast, authorities refused to comment on the grisly video that emerged or the signs of maltreatment seen in court.

One video showed a man in combat fatigues cutting off part of one of the suspects’ ear and forcing it into his mouth while threatening to do the same with his genitals. Another suspect was seen with his trousers pulled down and wires attached to his genitals.

The Associated Press was unable to verify the authenticity of the images, but Human Rights Watch said it determined the men in the photos and videos were the same as those in court for their pretrial hearings.

“The rapid and widespread sharing of these videos appears to be no accident but rather some kind of appalling boast by the Putin government of its brazen disregard for basic rights, fundamental humanity, and the rule of law,” said Tanya Lokshina, HRW’s associate director for Europe and Central Asia.

Kremlin propagandists sought to cast their treatment as a proper response to the massacre.

Margarita Simonyan, head of state-funded broadcaster RT, dismissed criticism and said the law enforcement personnel involved shouldn’t face any punishment.

“Imagine yourself in place of our guys who were chasing those ghouls who just mowed down many, many of our fellow citizens,” Simonyan said. “What were they supposed to do? Serve them some warm porridge and yogurt?”

FILE - Russian President Vladimir Putin lights a candle on March 24, 2024, to commemorate victims of a deadly attack two days earlier at the Crocus City Hall. (Mikhail Metzel, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP, File)

Many observers saw the tacit endorsement of such brutality as an ominous sign of more to come.

“All that serves a double function -– a show of terror as a mechanism of intimidation and rallying hatred,” political analyst Kirill Rogov said in a commentary. “It normalizes hatred as a response, including to those who have questions and disagreements.”

Medvedev, deputy head of Russia’s Security Council, who served as liberal-minded placeholder president in 2008-12, when term limits forced Putin to shift to the premier’s seat, has turned recently into one of the harsher voices from the Kremlin.

Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russia’s Security Council, speaks at a lecture at the 2024 World Youth Festival in Sochi, Russia, Monday, March 4, 2024. (Ekaterina Shtukina, Sputnik Pool Photo via AP)

In a commentary on his messaging app channel this week, he called for the extrajudicial killings of Ukrainian officials, arguing Russia should follow in the Soviet practice in the last century of assassinations, like those of Ukrainian nationalists Yevhen Konovalets and Stepan Bandera.

“What should we do? Simply crush the Banderite swine as the Soviet MGB did after the war,” Medvedev wrote, referring to a forerunner of the KGB, “and liquidate their leaders on convenient occasions -- like Konovalets and Bandera -– in Kyiv or any other convenient places.”

The concert hall attack also brought demands from hawks and some senior lawmakers to reinstate the death penalty, which has been suspended since 1996 when Russia joined the Council of Europe, the continent’s leading human rights organization.

Calls for its restoration have circulated often, particularly after attacks blamed on insurgents from the region of Chechnya and other militant extremists. They increased after Moscow left the Council of Europe after its invasion of Ukraine.

Vladimir Vasilyev, head of the parliamentary faction of United Russia, the main Kremlin party, said the lower house would review restoring the death penalty, taking into account “society’s mood and expectations.”

Some Kremlin-connected lawmakers and others oppose the move, in an apparent sign of Putin’s hesitation.

Andrei Klishas, the influential head of the constitutional affairs committee in the upper house of parliament, argued its restoration is impossible unless Russia approves a new constitution.

Andrei Medvedev, the deputy speaker of the Moscow City Council, said Russia should never bring back capital punishment because of its troubled history in the Soviet era.

“Regrettably, our judicial system isn’t ideal and isn’t immune from mistakes,” he wrote in a commentary. “The country that saw repressions, Red Terror ... and executions of those who believed in God must forget about the death penalty once and for all.”

Lidiya Mikheyeva, the secretary of the Public Chamber, a Kremlin-controlled advisory board, also spoke against reinstatement and reverting “to the times of savagery and barbarity.”

“The abolition of the death penalty is one of our country’s major historic achievements,” she added.

Dmitry Kiselyov, a Russian state TV commentator, also hinted that Putin doesn’t support its reinstatement. “It’s good that Russia is led by Putin, for whom the life of each of our citizens is priceless,” he said.

Despite those apparent doubts, many observers say the official tolerance of the harsh treatment of the suspects and calls for killing Russia’s enemies herald an even more ruthless era.

FILE - Saidakrami Murodali Rachabalizoda, a suspect in the Crocus City Hall shooting, sits in a defendants’ cage in Basmanny District Court in Moscow, Russia, on March 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, File)

Net Freedoms, a Russian group focusing on freedom of speech, noted that harsh statements from Putin and Medvedev coming amid “the backdrop of demonstrative torture effectively sanction extrajudicial executions and give law enforcement agencies a directive on how to treat the enemies.”

“We are seeing the possible beginning of the new Great Terror,” the group said, referring to the purges by Soviet dictator Josef Stalin of the 1930s. “There must be no illusions — the developments follow a very bad scenario and the slide is rapidly accelerating.”