Safety Tips For Newbie Process Servers
Process servers are some of the least liked people in the entire legal world. They are the ones that bring the worst news to people being sued and to people whose privacy is going to be invaded for months to come. They bring court documents to other lawyers in a case, and present documents to all parties involved, including any potential jurors who have failed to appear for jury selection or failed to appear in court for jury duty. It should not surprise you, then, when the career you have chosen (i.e., process server) springs some unpleasant events on you. To protect yourself and keep yourself safe as a newbie process server, here are a few safety tips.
Check Background Records Prior to Serving Anyone
You do have access to public records and criminal records. If the person you are required to serve has any history of violence, request that a police officer be present when you serve this individual. It is in your best interests, when you are not an officer yourself, to have that witness present in the event that you are assaulted. Additionally, if a police officer does accompany you, most people will be intimidated enough to accept the court papers and not attempt to do anything to you.
Carry Some Legal Protection
Process servers are allowed to carry whatever is legal in their state and county as protection. However, this is often limited to pepper spray or a baton. Knives are definitely not allowed, and guns are only allowed in some counties and states, and only with a "carry and conceal" permit. Check with your county sheriff's office to see what is legal for you to use as protection against a possible assault.
Serve the Person Publicly, When Possible
Again, this is not the best option, since you should always be mindful and respectful of someone's privacy in their legal matters. Yet, if you suspect that you might encounter any trouble, even if it is verbal aggression or threats, consider serving the person in question in a public place. Doing so provides you with at least one, if not several, witnesses that can help you in the event that something goes terribly wrong. Most of the time that you serve people, you will not get pleasantries, and that is to be expected. Still, you should not have to go into any situation unprepared for an unpredictable recipient of the papers you are required to serve. Contact an attorney, like those at AAA Attorney Service Co Of Ny Inc, for more information.