It’s no secret that process serving can be a dangerous job. People often do not want to be served and take their anger out of the process server. This is usually in the form of some yelling or harsh words, but sometimes, things can turn violent. In the most extreme cases, process servers have lost their lives while working.
Protect yourself while serving process by following these tips for the best safety practices:
Do your research
You need to know as much as possible about the person you will be serving and the area you will be visiting. Plan your visit ahead of time by checking out public records, social media, and any other information you can gather from your client and the internet.
Studying online maps and planning routes ahead of time is also a smart move. As you gain experience in the field, you will become more familiar with your area and know how to navigate more efficiently. If you must enter a building to serve process, know where the exits are in case of trouble.
Act casual
If you approach someone with aggression, it is likely that they will also respond in the same manner. By keeping your cool and being mindful of your tone and body language, you can avoid many of the issues people hear about in the news involving violence against process servers. Some key points to consider:
- Keep the tone of your voice calm and friendly, yet professional
- Do not cross your arms or make grandiose gestures
- Do not clench or ball up your fists
- Embrace an open, tall posture
The person being served will often mirror your own energy, so keep things positive to avoid issues.
Use the buddy system
If you know the person you’re attempting to serve has a history of violent behavior, consider bringing a colleague or friend along with you. Instruct that person to look out for suspicious or hostile behavior, and get help if necessary.
Serve process safely in Pensacola
If you are an experienced process server in the Pensacola area and want to join a team of the highest-quality servers in the area, consider joining us at Accurate Serve®! We work all over the Florida panhandle, including Pensacola, Panama City, Fort Walton Beach, Milton, and even Mobile, AL. Located a little further south? No problem… check out theaccurateservefranchise.com to find our office closest to you!
