This is a Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) elective Wellness Checks: Law Enforcement's Role in APS Referrals #3908 online training course offered for Texas Peace Officers, Jailers, and Telecommunicators.
When conducting wellness checks, peace officers are often the first to encounter residents who may be living in unsafe or deteriorating conditions. These situations frequently involve older adults or individuals with diminished capacity who may be unable to care for themselves. This course prepares officers to recognize early warning signs of neglect, self-neglect, or vulnerability and to take appropriate action through Texas Adult Protective Services (APS) referrals.
While your primary duty is enforcing Texas criminal statutes, you also play a crucial role in protecting the welfare of vulnerable adults. Through real-world scenarios, statutory guidance, and practical field strategies, this course teaches how to identify when a wellness check crosses the line from a criminal matter to a protective services issue.
You’ll learn how to interpret environmental and behavioral indicators such as stacked mail, poor hygiene, untreated illness, or unsafe living conditions, and how to properly document, report, and refer these cases. By mastering these skills, officers can help prevent tragedy through early intervention—ensuring that those at risk receive timely protection and care.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
-
Describe the relationship between law enforcement responsibilities and Adult Protective Services.
-
Explain the statutory framework in Texas authorizing officer intervention in neglect and abuse cases.
-
Identify situations where criminal law overlaps with protective service needs.
-
Recognize environmental and physical signs of neglect or self-neglect.
-
Differentiate between normal aging and warning signs of unsafe deterioration.
-
Conduct structured wellness checks using consistent observation and documentation techniques.
-
Summarize laws requiring the reporting of suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
-
Apply Texas Code of Criminal Procedure procedures for protective custody and emergency intervention.
-
Evaluate input from neighbors, family, and community sources to determine next steps.
-
Initiate and document referrals to Texas APS effectively.
-
Communicate and coordinate with APS investigators to balance protective and enforcement priorities.
-
Apply statutory requirements and best practices to real-world officer scenarios.
Please note, the entire course, final exam(s), and course evaluation(s) must be completed in order to receive one (1) hour of course credit.
TCOLE Reporting
OSS Academy® typically reports 4 to 5 times each week [excluding U.S. Federal holidays]. We report your credit directly through TCLEDDS to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement [TCOLE]. You should have already provided your full and correct name, TCOLE PID number, and other important information when registering for your account. If not, once logged in, go to Edit Profile to update your information.
Should you have any questions, simply contact the OSS Academy® Training Coordinator by phone at 281-288-9190 (Ext. 205) or online at Contact OSS Academy®.
