The Dangers of Being a Process Server and Private Investigator

The Dangers of Being a Process Server and Private Investigator

            Many people unfairly dislike process servers and sometimes have only a slightly more favourable attitude toward Oklahoma private investigators.  Indeed, certain police officers from suburban departments have actually smiled when they saw a process server get hurt.  Any private detective or process server who has served in the field for any length of time knows all too well that life threatening dangers abound.  Indeed, this is why many of them choose to go armed, wear bullet proof vests, carry tasers, pepper spray, and more.  From the looks of other stories out there in the news, they have good reason to do so . . .  http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/process-server-killed-children-choked-in-divorce-dispute.  Oklahoma Judicial Process Servers www.OklahomaJudicialProcessServers.com explores some of the dangers that process servers and armed private investigators face, as well as preventive and responsive measures that can help reduce the risks associated with the profession.

            As noted above, it is often advisable for process servers and Oklahoma private investigators to help ensure that they always carry tasers, firearms, pepper spray, and wear bullet proof vests when allowed to do so by law.  Oklahoma process servers can strengthen their position for carrying protective items by obtaining a Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET) license as an armed security guard and private investigator. 

In addition, by getting an open carry license, carrying a gun openly is often a possibility.  While carrying any sort of offensive or defensive tool is always discretionary and may not may not always be beneficial, doing so can sometimes help deter would-be attackers.  Of course, having the right training in how to properly utilize a firearm or other protective devices is equally important.  It can also help reduce the chances that someone could take them away and use them against a private detective or Oklahoma City process server.

It also goes without saying that it is very important to ensure that each process server and private investigator knows as much as possible about each person he or she is going to serve or investigate.  Running background checks and asking the client for as much information before starting any services can also prove to be beneficial.  Of course, since clients do not always know how someone will react and because not all potentially violent people have criminal records, it is imperative that all process servers and private investigators treat all cases and individuals they encounter as potentially dangerous.  In as much as police officers do not have any “routine” traffic stops, the same also holds true for process servers and Oklahoma City private investigators.

Another helpful tactic for Oklahoma process servers and private investigators is for them to let the police, other colleagues, and even family members know where they will be, for how long, and when they expect to return.  If something ever goes wrong, at least someone will know the private detective or process server’s approximate whereabouts.  That way the police and family members can have a starting point to know where to go to provide assistance or even locate a missing body.

Letting the police know about one’s presence in advance also has another added benefit.  Doing so can sometimes put their minds at greater ease and might prevent law enforcement officials from coming out to unnecessarily blow a private investigator’s cover, while he or she is on an important stakeout, conducting surveillance, etc.  Of course, this could potentially backfire if the police are relatives or friends of those whom the process server is serving or who are the subject of an investigation.  Thus, informing the police of one’s whereabouts should only take place with good discretion when it will not jeopardize the case.

If something ever goes wrong, it is imperative to contact the police or other local law enforcement immediately.  All too often private detectives and process servers in Oklahoma City, Yukon, Norman, Moore, Edmond, Tulsa, Stillwater and elsewhere wait too long or do not call the police when someone tries to hurt them or impede their investigation.  At other times, they will contact colleagues or family members.  While getting backup and support from colleagues and family can certainly prove to be helpful in some cases, it is not always the best method.  Waiting to call the police can not only jeopardize the successful completion of the task at hand, but it can also increase the actual risk of physical harm to Oklahoma process servers and those working for private investigation companies. 

Of course, calling the police is completely counterproductive if the jurisdiction lies within the Edmond Police Department in Edmond, Oklahoma.  This is why it is imperative for private investigators and process servers to always try to gauge the way everyone they come into contact with acts.  Where could an individual possibly be carrying a weapon?  Which people appear frightened, angry, or homicidal?  What do their body language and facial expressions say about them?  Knowing potential warning signs and threats is one of the most proactive approaches to safety that all Oklahoma City process servers and Oklahoma private investigators can take.

These are just a few of the many ways in which a process server or private investigator can work to reduce the risks often associated with their dangerous professions.  There is no perfect system to guarantee safety and prevent all threats 100 percent of the time.  However, private investigation firms and process serving companies which encourage effective preventive techniques and appropriate responsive measures can better protect their employees and thus better serve their clientele.