If you ask police officers, they will readily tell you that one of the most dangerous parts of their job is knocking on doors of strangers. Who knows if the person behind the door has a gun or another type of weapon? This kind of thing, however, is what Chicago process servers deal with on a regular basis. They knock on doors, and generally the people they “serve” with legal documents aren’t all too happy to receive them. At times, they can become irate and possibly violent.
Fortunately, sensible Chicago process servers have developed techniques that minimize the risk involved.
Here are some of the more popular tactics: used by process servers in the field:
- Gather as much information as possible about the subject. One of the reasons why you should always try to give lots of information about the person you want served is that it helps process servers. It’s not just a matter of making sure that the legal notifications are done quickly and correctly. Sometimes it’s a matter of life and death.
The process server needs to evaluate just how violent the subject may be. This often involves checking to see if they have a criminal record. If they are in any way dangerous, some process servers may contact the local law enforcement officials to ask them to accompany them at the property at the time of service.
- Familiarize yourself with the area. Many process servers use a GPS system so that they have a handy map of the area. But for process servers, the risk isn’t only about getting lost. The process server wants to know their surroundings at all times in case they need to contact the police this way they can provide not only the address but cross streets or intersections, so they can get there as quickly as possible.
- Be mentally and psychologically prepared for the encounter. What you have to understand about process servers is that the good ones will always be mindful of the possibility that there may be a violent altercation.
If possible, the process server should drive by the property ahead of time for some reconnaissance. The initial drive-by offers a lot of insight. The process server will find out if there is a dangerous dog on the loose in the subject’s yard. Also, they may be able to see if any other type of danger is present before going up to the property. This way when they go to the door, they can be fully prepared and know what to expect.
As you can see the steps outlined above will keep Chicago process servers as safe as possible while at the same time keeping their success rates higher as well.
