How Process Servers and Private Investigators Can Effectively Handle Deadbeat Clients

How Process Servers and Private Investigators Can Effectively Handle Deadbeat Clients

            Those who have served in the field of private investigations or process serving for any length of time know all too well the perils of working with companies and individuals who cheat them.  Most times these law firms and companies promise to pay money upon successful completion of services but simply never do.  Oklahoma Judicial Process Servers www.OklahomaJudicialProcessServers.com explores possible options and solutions for Oklahoma process servers and private detectives who find themselves facing these tough situations . . .

            Many process servers and almost all private investigators require payment in advance.  Indeed, since the amount of money that private detective agencies stand to lose can range in the tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, most such firms require a specific retainer up front.  Process servers, on the other hand, usually have much less to lose and sometimes allow their customers to receive an invoice after they have completed the service.  Either way, when customers fail to pay as promised, it puts the Oklahoma process servers and licensed private investigators in a bit of a bind.

            One effective way to prevent this from happening is for process servers and private detectives to simply require all of their customers to pay up front.  This is an effective measure which will prevent clients from failing to pay.  This option also helps deter clients who might like to cheat the process server or private investigator.  However, this choice also comes with significant limitations.

            Some clients prefer to receive the bill after the process server completes his or her tasks.  These types of clients often include, but are not limited to, high end attorneys and others who stake their reputation on quality and efficiency.  This type of clientele often does not have time to issue checks or money orders right away and tends to work on very tight schedules.  Process servers who refuse to bill these firms and individuals will often lose their current and future business.  Private investigators, of course, should continue to require the money up front; they simply have too much to lose.

            Before informing clients that they have not paid what they owe, it is imperative that process servers ensure that they have not already paid it.  Sometimes it is possible to not mark down a check, money order, or other payment the client has made.  By first checking with the bank, with Paypal, etc., private detectives can almost eliminate the chance of inadvertently asking for money from clients who have already paid their bills.  

            Process servers who choose to allow clients to pay after the completion of services do not really have many of the same protective preemptive safeguards in place.  Thus, they must choose how to handle the situation after the fact.  They do, however, have a string of options and at least one thing they can do to protect themselves.

            Generally speaking, process servers should always require their clients to make their service requests up front and in writing.  This is especially true for process servers in Oklahoma who do not require their clients to pay in advance.  A special form such as this http://www.oklahomajudicialprocessservers.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Process-Server-Client-Questionnaire.pdf can require the client to waive all liability and guarantee payment in writing.  This formal agreement not only helps to shield process servers from harm, but it also helps deter potential deadbeat clients.  Those individuals and businesses who do cheat process servers out of their fees also become more vulnerable in court, as process servers now have something in writing. 

            If the amount the client owes is very small, it is sometimes easier to “un-serve” the person.  In doing so, the client may have to reschedule his or her court date.  This will require the person to go obtain the services of yet another process server.  If the Oklahoma City process server has already turned in an affidavit of service, he or she can subsequently submit an affidavit of non-service.  This second affidavit might potentially nullify the previous affidavit on grounds such as, “I accidentally served the wrong person.”  In the event that an affidavit of service is not already on file or otherwise in the client’s possession, then the process server can simply refuse to write one.  Either of these efforts will likely frustrate the former client and may hinder his ability to receive a timely judgment.  However, if a Norman, Oklahoma process server is seeking a financial judgment, this will not suffice.

            Oklahoma process servers and private investigators can also write and submit a brief or letter that informs the judge of the client’s failure to pay.  Filing a letter of this sort so will most likely hurt the client’s credibility in court.  Who can trust a person or business that would stiff his own process server or private investigator?  In addition to doing so, the Oklahoma process server can also file a small claims suit against the former client and have that person served.  If successful in both of these attempts, this can frustrate the client both in his or her own legal case and simultaneously force him or her to become embattled on yet another front.  Of course, this endeavor also takes time and money, and some process servers one or both lack both.

            Some process servers and private detective agencies prefer to outsource all of their deadbeat clients to collection agencies.  These companies will often handle the entire process for fee.  In doing so, they take the stress and pressure off of process servers and private investigation firms, and this frees their time and resources to engage in other meaningful business pursuits.  Of course, these companies also require up to one half of the amounts they recover as payment, thus trimming the process servers’ and private detectives’ bottom lines.

            Process servers and private investigators whose former clients have breached their trust agreement can also choose to leave a bad written review for professionals and companies.  If the deadbeat client is a business entity, this can range from a blatantly honest and thorough review on www.yellowpages.com to other sites like www.angieslist.com.  Believe it or not, some customers read reviews written by former and current  companies they are considering working with.  If a professional company or individual has cheated a process server out of his or her fee, then he or she will likely happen again to others.  The public deserves a fair warning about the company’s unscrupulous business practices.  However, if the former client happens to link the written review back to the process server, then he or she can also write a bad written review – even if untrue – about the process server, private eye, and/or his or her company.  Thus, caution does indeed become the “better” part of cyber revenge.

            The Better Business Bureau (BBB) www.bbb.org can also help to mediate complaints against the wayward company or business.  However, they tend to be most effective against those whom they accredit. The Better Business Bureau is unable to compel a company to act or require action.  Of course, the company can still lose its BBB accreditation, and this is something that many businesses wish to maintain.  Indeed, many law firms have their accreditation by the BBB to help prevent lawsuits and to let their customers know they are trustworthy.

            If the individual is a member of a professional organization or association such as the Oklahoma Bar Association (OBA) http://www.okbar.org/, the National Association of Professional Process Servers (NAPPS) www.Napps.org, or the Oklahoma Private Investigator Association (OPIA) www.Opia.com, then process servers can file complaints against the individuals or businesses with their respective professional organisations and licensing committees.  These types of associations often require higher standards of ethical conduct from their members and/or respective licensing boards.  They want their members to represent their profession well and to help others.  While it is true that these governing bodies often protect those within them, they can also serve to help field complaints for little or no money or time.

Sometimes clients really do not have the ability to pay their bills, and money really does become an issue for them.   This is when alternative forms of payment through bartering sometimes become more feasible.  This is especially true when the client does not have the ability to pay his or her bill but also practices some sort of trade or profession which may provide necessary services for the Oklahoma City process server or private detective.  Such trades and professions include, but are not limited to, those who are plumbers, lawyers, doctors, teachers, and almost anything else of relative value.  Of course, the entire bartering process tends to work best when utilised from the start rather than as a substitute for nonpayment of services. 

            The only other viable option a process server has is to simply turn the other cheek, cut his or her losses, and move on.  Pursuing the attorney, process serving firm, private detective agency, or individual may turn out to be more of a headache than it is really worth.  Indeed, the recoverable amount may not be worth the time or effort.  Plus, collecting on a judgment is not always easy and may require even more time and resources. 

On the other hand, licensed process servers and private investigation firms should not let unscrupulous companies run all over them.  By doing so, they might become emboldened by the apathy and are more inclined to keep doing the same thing to others.  Process servers and private eyes must strive to protect one another and their fields both professional and respectable.

Sometimes clients will write bad checks or will initiate a chargeback on their credit card authorizations.  If the process server or Oklahoma private investigator has already meritoriously performed the work, then this kind of misbehaviour on the part of clients is just as unprofessional as those who refuse to pay at all.  Sometimes it is even more damaging, because it can cost the Oklahoma process server even more money, time, and can hurt his or her reputation within the financial community.  Once again, process servers have many options at their disposal.

Aside from the other methods previously discussed in this article, a good Oklahoma City private investigator can also take other action against bad check and credit card users.  In these cases, process servers can also contact their district attorney’s office to press charges against bad check writers.  In addition to other civil action their might pursue, this can add criminal charges to the client’s list of new problems as well. 

When clients initiate a chargeback on a credit card payment, private investigation companies can and should actively participate in every part of the dispute.  All too often, companies like Paypal www.Paypal.com will try to side with the consumer too easily, leaving the seller or provider of goods without proper payment.  Private investigators should stick with it each step of the way, taking action against the credit card companies, if needed.

            It is vital that process servers and private detectives remember that most clients will happily pay for good service.  Indeed, sometimes attorneys and other professionals just become so busy and backlogged that they may accidentally forget about making a payment.  Their staff may become sick, or they may think that they have already paid the amount they owe.  By taking a more diplomatic approach, Oklahoma City private investigators and process servers can offer gentle reminders via e-mail, mail and telephone calls.  Sometimes clients need more time to pay or would prefer to make a payment by credit card or via another alternative method.  Process servers and private investigators who work with their clients instead of against them will go further.

            When it comes to getting paid, licensed process servers and private detectives in Oklahoma and elsewhere have a variety of options at their disposal.  From preventive measures to collection procedures, there are many ways to minimize exposure to clients who cannot or will not pay their bills.  By ascertaining which option is best according to each situation, Oklahoma City private investigators and process servers can often regain their hard earned money in the most professional way possible.

How Oklahoma Private Investigators and Process Servers Can Elicit Greater Police Cooperation and Assistance

How Oklahoma Private Investigators and Process Servers Can Elicit Greater Police Cooperation and Assistance

            Police officers can sometimes prove to be very helpful to private investigators and process servers.  Indeed, in some cases private investigators, process servers and police officers perform very similar tasks.  All three professions often encompass various aspects of the law, and thus everyone’s job becomes much easier when all sides work collaboratively rather than against one another.  Oklahoma Judicial Process Servers www.OklahomaJudicialProcessServers.com examines some of the ways in which process servers and private investigators can increase the likelihood that police officers will want to assist them, or at the very least not hinder, their investigations and service of process.

            The first and most important things all Oklahoma private detectives and process servers should do is to make sure that they always carry the proper identification.  Private investigators should always have their private investigation licenses, a driver’s license, etc., on them at all times.  Likewise, process servers should also have their process server license and their driver’s license on hand whenever they go out to serve papers.  Doing so ensures that each Oklahoma City private investigator and process server has everything he or she needs to both identify themselves and proves that they have a legal right to conduct his or her activities. 

By law, police officers have the right to perform certain functions within the scope of their duties.  No other individual may interfere with those job tasks, unless the police officer is doing something wrong (i.e., police brutality).  Likewise, once a law abiding Oklahoma process server or private detective has properly identified himself or herself to a police officer who has asked to see identification, there is nothing that that any law enforcement personnel can legally do to interfere with the performance of those lawful duties.  This is why it is so imperative for Oklahoma City process servers and private investigators to carry their process server and private investigator licenses, as well as their drivers’ licenses, at all times.

An owner of a reputable private detective agency or process serving company in Oklahoma will often take great care to let law enforcement officials know of their presence in advance.  This is especially true if the process server or private investigator plans to stay in one area for an extended period of time.  Calling or physically going to the police station in advance and presenting proper identification can prove to be very beneficial.  By doing so, police officers can verify that a person who claims to be a process server or private detective really is who he or she claims to be.  However, it is imperative that process servers and private investigators remember that they do not have to, and in many cases are forbidden from, releasing specific names and/or the general nature of their service/investigation to the police. 

When contacting the police in advance, it is important for process servers and private detectives to help give them other non-sensitive important information.  Providing them a physical description of the process servers or private investigators, the make, model and tag numbers of the cars that will be in the area, and a contact number of the individuals working the case will often put their minds at great ease.  That way if people start calling in to report a “suspicious” vehicle or other unusual activity, the police officers can choose call the Oklahoma private investigator or process server first to see what is going on.

Contacting the police in advance will often, but not always, keep police cars from showing up at a private detective’s or process server’s location with multi-coloured lights on, sirens blaring, etc.  This, of course, could prove to be disastrous for an investigation or serve.  What private detective agency or process serving company wants the entire neighbourhood to know of their employees’ presence?  Having the police show up during surveillance or while on a difficult serve could potentially blow everything and would not help out the client.

Making friends with the police and other law enforcement officials can also help a private detective or process server reap numerous positive rewards.  Whether this takes place in a professional capacity or with people on the force that are already known by or introduced to private investigators and Oklahoma process servers, knowing people in the right places helps!  Of course, it is not only beneficial to be well-known, but also well- liked and well-respected.  Spending a little time to invest in these relationships, which can even be as simple as smiling and saying, “Hello” to police officers as they walk by, not only makes deposits into their emotional bank accounts but is also the nice thing to do.  In addition, massaging a police officer’s ego, if not overdone, can also help.  A little investment in advance can come back to help in the future when it especially counts!

After having had a gun pointed at him by a crazy lady, a process server made it a point one time to get to know the local sheriff’s deputies as he filed the report.  They all talked, laughed, shared stories, and more.  While later having to wait in his car while trying to serve papers in the same town on behalf of a new client, a suspicious neighbour eventually contacted the local police.    

The local police showed up first, and they began questioning the process server.  However, when the county sheriff’s deputies soon arrived and the process server got out of his car to greet them, the police officers asked them, “You know this guy?”  When the sheriff’s deputies acknowledged that they did and that everything was good to go, the local police immediately backed off and went to inform the normally paranoid lady that everything was okay and that they could not make the Oklahoma process server leave the area.

This is once again a very good example of how Oklahoma private investigators and process servers who know people within very similar professions can have an easier time.  The greater one’s sphere of influence is, the easier life often becomes.  Those who run the most successful private detective agencies and process serving companies have mastered this invaluable concept.

It is also extremely important for private detectives and process servers in Oklahoma and elsewhere to make sure that they follow all laws.  If a process server or private investigator is doing everything in accordance with all local, state and federal laws, then police officers have no way to complain about or otherwise impede the duties of those working for process serving companies and private investigation firms in Oklahoma City, Norman, Moore, Edmond, Yukon, Mustang, Piedmont, El Reno, and elsewhere.  Unfortunately, following the laws is not always sufficient.

Sometimes police officers do not know what the laws are.  Indeed, police officers are trained in criminal law, not civil law.  Not wanting to appear ignorant, some police officers may just go with whatever they think the laws should be.  Others may call their supervisors or even call for the assistance of the county sheriff or constable, as they are often charged with the responsibility of serving papers, etc.  At other times, since law enforcement officials really may not know what private investigators and process servers can and cannot legally do, they may just let them proceed with their duties unhindered. 

It never hurts for process servers to have a copy of the Oklahoma Rules of Civil Procedure and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure on hand.  Private investigators should have any pertinent laws, which are often on www.oscn.net, readily available by phone or on paper.  This way if police officers are ignorant of civil laws pertaining to Oklahoma process servers and private investigators or are intentionally trying to interfere, they can get a quick and easy reminder. 

In addition, having copies of local ordinances pertaining to parking on public property, what does and does not constitute trespassing, and the amendments to the United States Constitution on hand can also prove to be quite useful.   Sometimes an Oklahoma process server or private investigator will need to remind police officers about such rights as the freedom of speech and association, what the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the United States Constitution really means, etc.  Always knowing the laws in advance is smart and makes excellent business sense.

Process servers and private investigators should definitely take great care to always act professionally.  Circumstances may arise when police officers do everything wrong or even break multiple laws.  Indeed, the field of law enforcement often attracts people with a strong desire to protect and serve, but it can also draw in people seeking power, authority, and those who do not appreciate having their authority questioned.  Private investigation agencies and process serving companies that encourage diplomacy, tact, patience, kindness, collaborative leadership, respect for the law, and polite assertiveness will often prosper the best.

            Another crucial element of garnering the cooperation of police officers is for Oklahoma private investigators and process servers to never try to intentionally antagonize law enforcement officials.  These people are also fellow human beings with thoughts, feelings, dreams, aspirations, goals, insecurities, and fallibilities.  Many of them have families, and they are as fragile as the next human being or other life form.  Trying to make a police officer irate or otherwise irritated will seldom, if ever, accomplish any noteworthy desired goals.  Since private investigators, process servers, and law enforcement officials often perform at least some of the same duties, it is essential that Oklahoma process servers and private detectives do everything they can to get them on the same team.  Hopefully no one is out to break the law or cause any harm; everyone just wants to do their duties and go home to their families.    

            Private detective agencies and process server companies in Oklahoma and elsewhere can often find great success when interacting with law enforcement officials.  Knowing how, when, with whom, where, and why interacting with law enforcement officials in a variety of situations is crucial.  Eventually there are times when private investigators and process servers need help from local law enforcement agencies.  By working together instead of against one another, Oklahoma City process servers and private investigation agencies can find much greater success!

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.  

Oklahoma Process Servers Should Join the National Association of Professional Process Servers (NAPPS)

Oklahoma Process Servers Should Join the National Association of Professional Process Servers (NAPPS)

            The field of process serving is a professional one.  It usually requires licensing, training, and can sometimes prove to be deadly.  Indeed, the state of Oklahoma considers its process servers to be officers of the court.  Other professionals, such as teachers, often join organizations like the National Education Association (NEA).  Medical Doctors in America are usually members of the American Medical Association (AMA).  Oklahoma Judicial Process Servers www.OklahomaJudicialProcessServers.com believes that professional process servers in Oklahoma and elsewhere should likewise join an organization which represents them, requires them to adhere to higher standards of service, and which also serves to help further professionalize the field.

            The National Association of Professional Process Servers, also known as NAPPS www.NAPPS.org, provides this wonderful opportunity for process servers.  The application process takes time, and applicants must first undergo a background check/screening.  Current members also have the opportunity to voice their opinions and object to process servers who are applying for membership, when they know those individuals would prove to be detrimental to the organization and/or the field.  Objections by current members do not necessarily bar them from joining, but it sometimes happens.  Likewise, members can get expelled for violations of the ethical codes they have pledged to uphold and for unlawful practices.  Indeed, members of this process serving association help to self-regulate both themselves and one another.

            Oklahoma process servers can also benefit from joining the National Association of Professional Process Servers Association in numerous other ways.  Many Oklahoma City process servers benefit from the opportunity to network, share experiences with other process servers throughout the nation, and get crucial updates on the ever-changing process serving laws.  Fortunately, there are numerous other benefits of joining NAPPS!

            Members of NAPPS also post jobs for serves in other states and offer them to other members of the organization.  With one e-mail, they an Oklahoma process server can immediately get responses from fellow members from that particular area (i.e., Tampa, Florida).  This makes finding reliable professionals who share the same core values of the other dedicated professional process servers much easier and more efficient.

            A process server who is a member of the National Association of Professional Process Servers can also know that someone he or she calls upon for help is likely to be more reliable and honest.  There are too many process servers out there with little or no experience, and many of these individuals just perform this work on a part time basis.  Knowing whom to trust with important clients and time sensitive documents is vital, and fellow NAPPS members tend to be more reliable.  Indeed, if any problems arise between members, there is a special grievance form, and the process can go through mediation instead of the courts.

            Finding others who take the field of process serving very seriously is much easier to discern with the National Association of Professional Process Servers.  Members of NAPPS even get permission to place a special organizational insignia onto their websites.  This makes identifying process servers who belong to NAPPS even easier.  This serves as yet another benefit to those who serve as Oklahoma process servers. 

            The National Association of Professional Process Servers also holds an annual conference for its members.  This is particularly important when it comes to networking, gaining additional skills and training, and having fun!  This annual convention is not unlike the conferences that many other professional organizations like the American Medical Association (AMA) hold for their members.  This is yet another benefit and helps professionalize the field of process serving in Oklahoma and nationwide.

            Like any professional field, the more organized process servers are the more they tend to get paid.  This is especially important, as many who enter the field of process serving often begin working for very little money.  They may unknowingly place themselves in harm’s way without fair compensation.  Process servers who are members of NAPPS can often advise others who are newer to the field as to what a job is really worth.

            It goes without saying that joining NAPPS has numerous benefits for both its members and the clients they serve.  Professional process servers in Oklahoma and elsewhere work hard and deserve to receive fair pay for the services they provide.  Joining professional organizations like NAPPS comes with many benefits, some of which this article did not mention, and helps make the field better for everyone.  All process servers who are truly dedicated to the profession should give serious consideration to joining the National Association of Professional Process Servers.

Why Oklahoma Process Servers are Paid Well Below the Regional Average

Why Oklahoma Process Servers are Paid Well Below the Regional Average

            Compared to process servers in other states, Oklahoma process servers earn far below the regional average.  This does not just apply to process servers, but also to teachers and other professionals.  What often happens is that the best teachers and process servers in other states travel elsewhere (i.e., Texas) to make a reasonable living.  This is unfortunate, as it causes a “brain drain” per se of some of Oklahoma’s most talented individuals.  Oklahoma Judicial Process Servers www.OklahomaJudicialProcessServers.com examines the complexities behind this phenomenon.      

A process server performing a standard serve in Oklahoma often earns around fifty dollars, which is what a sheriff’s deputy makes.  On the contrary, a process server in Dallas, Texas, which is only about three hours away from Oklahoma City, can easily receive eighty-five or ninety-five dollars per local service of process.  Likewise, process servers in Arkansas, Kansas, and other states also generally receive more money than an Oklahoma process server does.  This can become quite problematic for those wishing to serve process throughout the State of Oklahoma.

Perhaps part of the reason Oklahoma process servers make relatively small amounts has to do with the fact that obtaining a process server license is far too easy.  In order to become a process server in Oklahoma, all one has to do is to is to get some passport photos made, pay the fee, and receive the license.  Unfortunately, no education, training, or other experience is required. 

State law does not require process servers to know the process serving laws or perform any type of internship.  While the individual must be at least eighteen years of age and of “good moral character” that is also absent any felonies, that is about it.  Perhaps this is yet another reason why process servers in Oklahoma not only make a relatively little amount of money, but is also a contributing factor as to why the general  public often holds Oklahoma process servers in relatively low regard.  Of course, as noted earlier, process servers are not the only one to experience this salary discrepancy.

A teacher in Oklahoma with a doctoral degree and ten years of teaching experience can actually make substantially less than a teacher in Texas with a master’s degree and fewer years of experience.  While some might contend that the cost of living is higher in Texas, this is usually not the case.  Likewise, teachers in both states have to undergo similar training requirements.  Thus, if the amount and type of training is not the issue, then what is?

Many have long contended that the economy in Texas and other states is higher than Oklahoma’s.  While this might prove true to some degree for some areas in Texas, the same cannot be said for those in Kansas or Arkansas, where the economic differences between there and Oklahoma are really quite minimal.  What, then, could the other factors be that make the fields of teaching, process serving, etc., pay so much less in Oklahoma than in other states?

Oklahoma has not been known in the international or even regional arenas to place a high value on education.  Given that Oklahoma’s economy has long been agriculture-based where formal education was unnecessary, the importance that many residents have traditionally placed on schooling has not kept up with those in certain other states.  Likewise, a strong correlation between the value placed upon education and teachers’ salaries exists.  Needless to say, the same holds true for process servers.  

With the exception of attorneys and those who need to have papers served in an efficient manner, many people in Oklahoma simply do not value process servers.  When one takes the complete lack of educational requirements and experience required for a process server license into account, this just lowers the standards of the profession and thus the pay.  In order for process servers to receive higher pay, three things will need to happen, which are as follow:

ü  Oklahoma will need to value its Oklahoma City process servers more.

ü  Oklahoma needs to establish more advanced training and educational requirements for process server licensing.

ü  Oklahoma’s process servers need to unionize for better wages, and they need lobbyists at the state capitol.

ü  The “economic recovery” really needs to continue to materialize, thereby reducing the number of people who apply to become process servers. 

ü  Oklahoma’s population as a whole needs to value its process servers more, which is a difficult task given that they often bring unwelcomed news.

            Unless and until the aforementioned things take place, a process server in Oklahoma is likely going to continue to make less money than their colleagues who live and work in other nearby states.  Unless Oklahoma process servers, teachers and other professionals take a strong stand and work to help make their profession one that is more organized, trained, and valued by society, then they, like teachers, will likely continue to make a very minimal amount of money.

Oklahoma City Process Servers Deserve Respect and Dignity

Oklahoma City Process Servers Deserve Respect and Dignity

For far too long, process servers have not received the respect and dignity they deserve.  Too many people try to harm, harass, and sometimes kill them.  Oklahoma process servers place their lives in grave danger each time they go out into the field to try to serve an individual, as some people react in very uncivil and violent ways.  For those in Oklahoma that wish to intimidate, maim, and kill process servers, Oklahoma Judicial Process Servers www.OklahomaJudicialProcessServers.com hopes that they remember a few things about the people working in this field.

These Oklahoma residents, who are officers of the court, work very hard to support both themselves and their families.  They are just trying to earn an honest living.  An Oklahoma process server does not want to hurt anyone or cause harm.  Instead, a process server merely wants to accomplish the job and go home.  How does it make sense to yell at them and/or try to shoot them?  Is that not illegal and immoral?    

Licensed by the courts, Oklahoma process servers are messengers of the court.  They are not the ones who filed the lawsuit or other court papers against anyone.  Instead, they are obligated to act as a disinterested party.  A process server does not care who prevails in the court hearing; rather, he or she just wants to deliver the papers.  People do not get angry with the mailman for delivering bills or other news, right?  Well, then why would someone hurt someone who is merely bringing the message?  Unscrupulous people need to remember not to kill the messenger!

Lastly, please remember that process servers are also fellow human beings.  Yes, that is right: they have thoughts, feelings, and dreams, too.  Like any other human being, they deserve the very same respect, dignity and kindness that everyone else does.  It would be wrong to hit one’s mum, dad, teacher, religious leader, etc.  Why, then, is it okay to insult and attack an Oklahoma process server?  While process servers may bring news that is often undesirable, he or she did not write what is on the papers.  Oklahoma process servers are not bad people and do not deserve unwarranted, unnecessarily, and sometimes deadly wrath of angry, mean, hateful recipients.

Why Oklahoma City Process Servers Need to Dress for the Occasion

Why Oklahoma City Process Servers Need to Dress for the Occasion 

            Sometimes we at Oklahoma Judicial Process Servers www.OklahomaJudicialProcessServers.com hear about how process servers who work with other companies or individually do not dress professionally.  While we obviously have absolutely no control over what those who work for other companies do or do not do, the field of process serving in Oklahoma is certainly a professional field.  However, what is “professional” in one situation may not be appropriate for another.  This is why it is more important for process servers in Oklahoma City, Edmond, Norman, or elsewhere to dress according to each situation.

            If an Oklahoma process server is going to serve someone in an elite suburban community or at an upscale business office, then how should he or she dress?  Well, obviously in this situation, process servers can usually expect a less favorable reaction for his or her comeliness if dressed in sagging jeans, a baseball cap that is turned backwards, and a shirttail that is hanging out.  In this instance, Oklahoma process servers should usually wear a nice dress shirt, pressed slacks, polished shoes, and have their hair washed and neatly combed.  The same rule applies in other locations, just with different clothing styles.

            This time let us assume a process server has entered a very low socioeconomic income area.  Gangs might abound, and people around the neighbourhood might not necessarily be dressed up in suits and nice slacks.  Instead, perhaps they are wearing tennis shoes, jeans, and T-shirts.  Why should they not?  With few exceptions, there is certainly no law stating what people can and cannot wear.  However, process servers who fail to match this same type of clothing attire will likely yield less than favourable results.

Oklahoma process server who goes to such places wearing a nice shirt, tie, dress pants, and polished shoes might be viewed by others there as “suspicious” and out of place.  Who are they and what do they want?  Surely they cannot be from around the neighbourhood, right?  Are they cops?  Are they selling something?  This could indeed present a problem.

Likewise, as noted earlier, process servers who go to upscale areas will often find themselves in the same position if they do not dress in nice shirts, dress slacks, etc.  People in those Oklahoma communities will likely see this person as a trespasser, someone looking to use the bathroom, an individual who is homeless, a potential thug, etc.  While this may be quite far from the truth, this, too, could present problems for Oklahoma City process servers. 

Both scenarios essentially rely upon the same logic: the need for process servers to make meaningful connections with the people around them.  Those that Oklahoma process servers go around need to be able to effectively identify with them as being “one of us”.  If they do not, then getting questions answered, finding the right person, and not getting treated as nicely can potentially become major issues.  Of course, this does not just extend to a process server’s manner of dress; it entails other factors as well.

Excellent process serving companies also realise the need to hire a diverse workforce.  Having process servers of different ages, races, nationalities, those who can speak more than one language, etc., will sometimes enhance their ability to better connect with other people around them – if they have similar attributes.  The old adages “like attracts like” and “birds of a feather flock together” are quite true indeed!

It is important to note that there are no guarantees that dressing in a certain way or having a process server who is of a particular race, age, etc., will be able to have any enhanced success over those who fail to employ these techniques.  Likewise, it is equally important not to make overgeneralisations about those those who live in upper class neighbourhoods and business districts or in lower socioeconomic areas.  People can act in all different ways, and outstanding, professional process servers should always stand ready to ensure that they act accordingly and remain ready to adapt.  However, as a general rule of thumb, the more professional Oklahoma process servers fit in to their surroundings and those within them, the more likely they chance they will have increased success when serving court papers.

Why Oklahoma Private Investigators and Process Servers Should Form Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) Instead of Traditional Corporations

Why Oklahoma Private Investigators and Process Servers Should Form Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) Instead of Traditional Corporations

            One thing that America is known for is its love of the courts.  For hundreds of years, the judicial system in the United States has played an extremely integral role in helping to settle divorces, small disputes, malpractice claims, business disagreements, immigration matters, and even criminal charges.  Needless to say, many business owners usually find out that they are not immune to lawsuits from unhappy customers.  Oklahoma private investigators and process servers can also find themselves sued, and thus they should equip themselves with the legal protections that forming a limited liability company (LLC) can provide.

            Limited liability companies can help give any process server or private investigator the chance to cover himself or herself with a “corporate shield” of sorts.  By forming an LLC, process servers and private investigators alike can make it to where, if ever successfully sued, their business assets are the only thing that a plaintiff can take from them.  This differs greatly from companies that are simply incorporated, and all Oklahoma process servers and private investigators need to know this major difference.

            Say, for example, that Mark, a customer, sues Jack, a diligent private investigator in Oklahoma, in court.  Mark somehow convinces the jury that he is right and that PI Jack is not.  Furthermore, in a miscarriage of justice the jury awards Mark $400,000.  Private Investigator Jack appeals, but he loses a few times.  Now Mark turns to Jack’s business assets to see what all PI Jack is worth.  However, Mark quickly gets disappointed.

            After a  hearing on Jack’s private investigation company’s assets, the courts determine that Jack’s business only has $3,000 worth of business equipment, assets, and property.  Everything else Jack owns is his own personal money and property.  Because Jack’s private investigation firm does not have the other funds, Private Investigator Jack realizes he can never pay off $400,000 and decides to have his company declare bankruptcy.

            After the bankruptcy goes through, Mark, the plaintiff in the case, walks away with his $3,000 and the satisfaction of knowing that the “evil” private investigator’s company is now bankrupt.  Private Investigator Jack, thankful that Mark could not touch his personal assets that amounted to $750,000, puts on his Oklahoma process server hat and forms a new company, which is also a limited liability company. 

As a process server, Jack also expands his business to include other fields, making sure to take out protective professional liability insurance.  Process Server Jack knows he cannot declare bankruptcy for many years to come, so he takes great care to sign special agreements with his clients, which serve to further protect him from lawsuits.  Now Jack brings his previous customers on board to his new business, and he enjoys the fruits of his labour.

            Having said all of this, courts can still pierce the corporate shields that protect business owners from having all of their personal assets take from them.  For example, if Private Investigator Jack had mixed his personal assets with his business assets, then Mark could have asked the courts to pierce this shield.  This is just one of several ways in which this can happen.

            All Oklahoma City process servers and Edmond, Oklahoma private investigators should remember another important thing though.  If their business is especially large, all of those assets are subject to a lawsuit.  Thus, if Private Investigator Jack’s private investigation company had amassed assets of $400,000 or more, then Mark could have successfully taken those away from him.  Mark just could not have touched any of the owner’s personal financial assets. 

            The corporate shield that limited liability companies have was especially meant to protect small businesses like private detective agencies and Oklahoma process server companies like Oklahoma Judicial Process Servers www.OklahomaJudicialProcessServers.com.  Otherwise, many business owners might not want to take the risk of starting a business and possibly losing both their company and personal assets.  All smart private investigation and process server companies in Oklahoma should definitely form limited liability companies, instead of simply becoming incorporated.

Paying Your Oklahoma Process Servers, Private Investigators, Mobile Notaries, Deception Experts and Other Staff Fairly Helps Your Business Grow

Paying Your Oklahoma Process Servers, Private Investigators, Mobile Notaries, Deception Experts and Other Staff Fairly Helps Your Business Grow

            We live in an age and time where shunning unions, paying lower wages, providing employees with fewer job benefits, mostly hiring those who will work for the cheapest pay, and outsourcing and mechanizing the rest have become the norm.  Too many employers seem to believe that cutting pay and maximizing profits at the expense of their employees is the best business practice.  Indeed, the amount of wealth that CEOs and other owners of large corporations have amassed is obscene, especially given the enormous poverty elsewhere in the world.  It benefits companies to generously pay those working in the fields of process serving, private investigations, notary public officials, deception experts, bail bondsmen, polygraph examiners, etc.

            The old adage “You get what you pay for” is really quite true.  Oklahoma Judicial Process Servers www.OklahomaJudicialProcessServers.com started with this philosophy early on, ensuring that its employees receive generous pay.  While some people will indeed work as hard or as little as they normally would regardless of how much pay they receive, earning good wages or a decent salary can help a great deal.  However, incentives, bonuses, and higher salaries can help increase retention rates, often boosts staff morale, and can also improve the retention and performance of Oklahoma private investigators, process servers, and other professionals.

Oklahoma process servers, private investigators, mobile notaries, polygraph examiners, etc., are true professionals and deserve to receive decent pay and benefits.  These fields all require training, licensing, certification, and/or additional educational requirements.  Any Oklahoma process server, private investigator, notary public, polygraph examiner, expert witness, or bodyguard can tell you just how extensive the process is and the amount of time and money he or she had to spend getting licensed/certified. 

It goes without saying that certified teachers also spend a great deal of time and effort on training and education.  However, one only has to look at how little the government in states like Oklahoma pays its teachers, to see why so many outstanding educators flock to other states like Texas, Alaska, and elsewhere.  Oklahoma currently ranks forty-ninth in the nation and the lowest in the region for teacher pay.  And some people wonder why it is hard to keep wonderful teachers in Oklahoma . . .?  Likewise, Oklahoma private investigation agencies, process server companies, etc., need to pay their staff fairly, if they want to keep qualified, motivated people on board.

An Oklahoma process server, for example, gets paid for the work he or she does and keeps clients by helping get the serve done right.  However, since this takes time, training, licensing/certification, talent, and a knowledge of the laws, it also costs money.  If private detective agencies and the clients that hire them want a private investigator in Oklahoma to put forth his or her best effort in finding out whether or not a spouse is cheating on them or to seek out the truth in a criminal investigation, then the same principle applies.  Oklahoma private investigation agencies and the clients that hire them really do get what they pay for.

So, what benefits do private investigators, process servers, mobile notaries, bodyguards, polygraph examiners, and other professional employees prefer?  Empirical data and common sense show that these individuals desire high salaries, paid vacation and holidays, retirement plans/401k plans, health/dental/vision insurance, paid maternity/paternity leave, paid sick leave and bereavement leave, scholarships, reimbursed expenses, stock options, free on-site childcare, and other such benefits.  Unfortunately, many jobs today lack many of these benefits, with unscrupulous employers like Wal-Mart leading the charge in, “Always low wages. Always.”

Having given much focus to the financial side, private detective agencies and other employers should also never underestimate the true value of non-monetary rewards such as positive praise, opportunities for growth, feedback, etc.  These also comprise a conglomerate of invaluable components that enrich the job atmosphere for any Oklahoma notary public, polygraph examiner, private investigator, bodyguard, and process server.  An experienced, outstanding private investigator making $100,000 per year who has a boss that always belittles him or her might very well decide to go elsewhere.  Needless to say, money alone often does not always keep the best employees. 

A nice combination of both tangible and intangible rewards can help employers improve retention, hire the best staff, and create a positive environment.  Excellent companies often know that happy workers tend to produce more, utilize fewer sick days, and keep the experience they have gained each year working for their company instead of the organizations’ competition.  Treating each Oklahoma notary public, process server, private investigator, polygraph examiner, bodyguard, etc., right increases the likelihood that they will likely stay loyal for a long time to come.

Why Oklahoma Process Servers, Oklahoma Private Investigators, and Notary Public Officials Should Carry Professional Liability Insurance

Why Oklahoma Process Servers, Oklahoma Private Investigators, and Notary Public Officials Should Carry Professional Liability Insurance

It goes without saying that process servers, private investigators, and mobile notaries alike should carry various types of insurance.  These professional fields can come with a variety of risks, and having outstanding life insurance, health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, and short and long term disability policies is something all of those serving as professional Oklahoma process servers, notary public officials, and private investigators should have.  This type of insurance helps to ensure that if something ever happens to the Oklahoma notary public, process server, or Oklahoma private investigator, that these professionals and/or their families can get the needed financial assistance.  However, many individuals overlook one very important aspect of insurance that all professional private investigators, notaries, and process servers should have.

            Process servers, Oklahoma mobile notaries, and private investigators alike in the State of Oklahoma and elsewhere are often working on a legal case of some sort.  Knowing how litigious the general population in the United States of America tends to be, it goes without saying that any Oklahoma process server, notary public, and private investigator is equally open to lawsuits and other litigation, with or without merit.  Indeed, process servers, private investigators, and Oklahoma notaries public can make mistakes, too, and these mistakes can cost their clients money.  Of course, this legal liability in the courts does not extend only to Oklahoma mobile notaries, process servers, and Oklahoma private investigators. 

Medical doctors and teachers, among others, often face the same legal risks, and they carry professional liability insurance policies.  In this case, if someone sues them, they have money to help pay or their defense and, if they lose the case or have to settle it, will be less likely to lose their house, cars, retirement, and other personal property.  This way such incidents, while they will likely raise the doctors’ premiums and might cost them their medical licenses, will hopefully not affect their personal finances, too.

Most states require process servers, private investigators, and notary public officials to carry some type of a bond.  Many Oklahoma private investigators, mobile notaries, and Oklahoma process servers might unknowingly assume that a bond covers them in all ways.  This is simply not true, as bonds only serve to help protect their respective states from liability.

Oklahoma private investigation companies and detective agencies that hire other individuals are required by the State of Oklahoma to carry at least $100,000 of liability insurance.  A notary public in Oklahoma is not required to do so, but most of the major signing companies will not contact them and utilize their services unless they carry anywhere between $25,000-$100,000 of errors and omissions (E&O) insurance.  However, when considering whether or not to carry professional liability insurance, there are several factors to consider:

v What happens if a private investigation company is sued for more than $100,000?  Where will this money come from?

v How badly do notary public officials want to get service requests from signing agents?

v What if a notary public accidentally makes a mistake on a home loan closing that costs the client quite a bit of money?  Who will pay for it?

v What if a process server, who is not required to have any professional liability insurance whatsoever, ends up in hand-to-hand combat with a dangerous person and someone who is not at fault ends up getting hurt?

It is true that many private investigators, process servers, and notary public officials would be more likely to shy away from professional liability insurance, given its costs.  However, this type of insurance is relatively inexpensive for Oklahoma mobile notaries and an Oklahoma notary public can often acquire it through the National Notary Association (NNA).  Though a bit more expensive for process servers and private investigators, is also worth the costs. 

Making a small initial investment of $100, $650, or even $1,000 up front would be far better than having to end up paying $100,000 or even $1,000,000 in the future.  Besides, the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) allows these professional to write this type of insurance off as a business expense.  The professionals at Oklahoma Judicial Process Servers www.OklahomJudicialProcessServers.com always make sure to carry professional liability insurance.  It is much better to be safe than sorry!

How Oklahoma Process Servers Can Successfully Handle Misguided Blame From Attorneys and Other Clients

How Oklahoma Process Servers Can Successfully Handle Misguided Blame From Attorneys and Other Clients

            It goes without saying that everyone makes mistakes.  This applies no matter whether someone is a doctor, lawyer, process server, teacher, or even the president of a country.  Mistakes are an inherent part of our human nature.  While it is true that Oklahoma process servers can certainly make their fair share of mistakes, sometimes it is the clients (i.e., attorneys, businesses, private individuals, etc.) who place misguided blame onto hardworking process servers.  There are many ways in which a process server can handle the situation, and how an Oklahoma process server does so can make a huge difference for everyone involved.

            Let us assume that a process server has received a set of papers to serve on an individual.  After taking all of the necessary steps, he or she serves the papers on the person.  After filing out the return of service and sending it back to the client with a copy of the papers served, the Oklahoma City process server gets a phone call.  The attorney on the other end asks, “Why did you deliver those documents to the individual?  I never gave you those documents.  Why didn’t you serve the documents I gave you?”  Of course, the attorney says this despite the fact that the papers the process server delivered were the exact same ones he or she received from the law firm, and they even had the person’s name on them. 

How else could the process server have acquired those documents?  Which process server goes around searching out other documents in a case to serve on a defendant/respondent that the process server does not need to serve?  Obviously, an Oklahoma process server would have no need to serve unnecessary documents.

What has most likely happened in this situation is quite obvious: the lawyer did not give the process server the right papers and/or changed her mind about having the services performed.  Then the attorney wanted to unnecessarily project the blame onto the process server and thus deflect it from herself.  Perhaps the attorney works for a large firm and is afraid of getting into trouble for her mistake.  Thus, by saying the process server was at fault, she can try to circumvent the blame and minimize the damage done to her career.

There are many ways to successfully and diplomatically handle this matter.   One of them involves having the process server calmly explain to the client that he or she had no access to any other papers, and only served what the attorney provided.  Besides, why would Oklahoma process servers want to serve unnecessary papers?  However, if the attorney is determined to deflect the blame from herself, this is unlikely to yield satisfactory long term results.

Another approach the Oklahoma process server can try involves offering to redo the serve.  This, while it requires extra work on the part of the process server, may help the client save face and thus use the same process server’s services again.  This approach also eliminates any arguments.  Of course, this method also comes with numerous drawbacks.

Doing the serve again for free might also affirm in the client’s mind that she was right to initially make such an assertion.  In addition, it will cost the Oklahoma process server more time and effort.  This time and effort could prove to be especially taxing if the serve took a long time to complete, and the process server may resent having to redo it for free.  Indeed, no process server wants to have to continually redo serves he or she already successfully completed over and over again for the same client.  Depending upon the client, perhaps another approach might prove to be more suitable.

A combination of these two approaches can also prove to be effective.  The process server in Edmond, Oklahoma can diplomatically explain that he or she served the correct papers in a timely fashion.  Then, without allowing the situation to turn into an argument, he or she could simply offer to serve the papers the attorney or other client wants one more time.  Provided the case did not take an exceptionally long time to serve, this allows the attorney to save face, eliminates harmful debates and arguments, and might help the process server keep the client for future business.  However, some process servers will undoubtedly strongly disagree with this approach.

A process server could easily contend that he or she is a licensed professional who deserves to receive pay for the work he or she did.  After all, the attorney made the mistake, so why should the Oklahoma process server have to pay for it by doing extra work for free?  Does the attorney perform services for free?  Additionally, who is to say that the client will even use the same process server again?  These are all excellent contentions, and they deserve serious consideration.

Oklahoma process servers who find themselves in this situation should consider several things, which are noted as follow:

Ø  How much other work does this client give the process server?

Ø  Is this client a referral from another big client?

Ø  Is this lawyer likely to go and tell many others about the “poor service” he or she received?

Ø  Is it better to receive the pay in the short run and possibly risk isolating the client in the long run?

Obviously, process servers have to consider many different things when deciding which approach to take.  Either way, the process server should, at the very least, receive pay for the successful serve he or she already did.  That should be non-negotiable, unless those serving as Oklahoma process servers believe it is better to simply forego the money altogether. 

Oklahoma Judicial Process Servers www.OklahomaJudicialProcessServers.com takes great pride in helping clients from around the world.  Our staff has, on very rare occasions, faced situations similar to this one, and the client is not always right.  However, if a process server want to find success in the long term, taking a polite, diplomatic approach is always best.  After all, clients are only humans, and they, too, are just as vulnerable to making mistakes as other human beings who serve as process servers.

 

Oklahoma Process Servers Should Not Expect Much Help from the Police

Oklahoma Process Servers Should Not Expect Much Help from the Police

            Oklahoma process servers would be well advised to know in advance that they should not expect the police to assist them with most aspects of their official duties.  Part of this can be understandable, as the police are limited both in their available resources and manpower.  Likewise, the county sheriff’s department will, for a fee, also serve papers as well.  However, there are other aspects of process serving in which one would think the police should provide assistance for process servers in Oklahoma.

            One very import aspect in a process server’s work in being able to get the papers served in a timely manner.  Sometimes businesses such as Dell Computers or QuadGraphics will intentionally lie and claim a person is not there and/or will even help an employee try to evade service.  This is not only illegal, but it is highly unethical.  However, since the companies and the people that work for them are violating civil laws instead of criminal ones, they will refuse to help.  Indeed, perhaps they have a point in not getting involved in civil laws, but the police can still have their uses and be helpful to Oklahoma process servers who are in need of assistance.

            If a process server is ever threatened with physical harm or if people – certain employees of companies such as Dell and QuadGraphics or the people inside who are being served – try to hurt a process server while he or she is performing his or her duties, then the matter turns from a civil case to a criminal one.  In this case the police can and often will come out to assist a process server who has been harmed or has been threatened with bodily injury, etc.  Their duty, after all, is to protect and to serve, and they are obligated to do so.

            Sometimes private individuals, heavy-handed security guards, and others will attack or try to otherwise inflict harm upon process servers, and the police can intervene and make arrests as necessary.  Process servers should always take great care to carry their licenses at all times and follow the laws, so that they do not find themselves in trouble instead.

            Process servers in Oklahoma should also carry copies of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the Oklahoma Rules of Civil Procedure on them at all times.  Sometimes the local police have no clue about the laws pertaining to process servers and what they can and cannot do.  Process servers often have to diplomatically educate them on-site, but even then the police do not always care.  After all, they are the “police” and who is a “process server” to tell them about the laws!?  Some of the outstanding process servers at www.OklahomaJudicialProcessServers.com have sometimes experienced this from the Edmond Police Department and others.

            As a general rule of thumb, Oklahoma process servers should still try to maintain excellent relations with the police and the departments from which they come.  While they are often less than helpful, they still have their uses, on occasion, when some people get violent.  An Oklahoma process server who knows in advance the extent to which the police will and will not help them will find that they have a much easier time not expecting too much assistance when they need it most.