3 Things that will help keep procerss servers safe.

As we know in this day and age it is important for Process Servers to be-able to do there job safely. Here are 3 things that I have found that will help you stay safe while serving process. Having a well developed plan on how you are going to execute your serve successfully even before you leave your office is one of the most important things you can do to stay safe. Here are 3 things that I think should be apart of your plan.

1. Map out the location of your serve and be familiar with were you are going. Use Google earth to look at the address were your planning your serve . This will help you see were the entrances and exits to the property are located. Based on this information you can plan on how you’re going to enter and exit in a hurry if things go south
2.  Gather as many facts as possible about the party you are serving. Ask as many questions about the party to be served as possible. Some example questions would include: Is the party to be served known to be violent? Do they have a criminal record?  Has another server already tried to serve the party in question? If so, what happened when they tried? You will have to plan you serve according to the information you find out about the party in question. If they are know to be violent or have a criminal history consider taking another server with you. The second server will be able to back you up and call the police if it should become necessary for them to do so.  The second server can also take video evidence of the serve. Some people will have a tendency to be on their best behavior if they know they will be held accountable in court for their actions. If you believe you are putting yourself in danger by trying to serve the party in question you may even consider letting Law Enforcement serve the party in question.
3. Things to keep in mind once you are approaching your location. Do a drive by of your location if possible before you park. This will  help you confirm the entrances and exits of the property. It will also help you answerer the following questions: Is there a dangerous dog in the yard?  Are there people in front of the location in question? Is the garage door cracked or open? Other things you can do include keeping a clear and focused mind while you are walking up to your location. Know that if there is a physical confrontation how you are going to defend yourself and get out of the area and notify Law Enforcement as soon as possible.

This list is not at all an exhaustive list just some things I think you can consider implementing into the planing part of your serves. Remember a well developed plan will help keep you safe.