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!

Oklahoma Process Servers, Private Investigators, Security Guards, and Bodyguards Should Take Careful Precautions When Arresting a Suspect

Oklahoma Process Servers, Private Investigators, Security Guards, and Bodyguards Should Take Careful Precautions When Arresting a Suspect

            There are times when many Oklahoma process servers, private investigators, security guards, and bodyguards will have to make an arrest at some point in their professional careers.  While working in these capacities, these individuals need to know when they can arrest someone and how to properly do so.  Having this knowledge will not only protect process servers, private investigators, security guards, and bodyguards and their clients protected from legal ramifications, but will also help ensure their safety and that of their client as well.

            Firstly, it is noteworthy to mention that the aforementioned individuals have the same authority to arrest someone as any other private individual does.  This type of arrest power is commonly called a “citizen’s arrest” and is not as extensive in the scope and authority as that of a law enforcement official (i.e., police officer, Federal Bureau of Investigation agent, etc.).  However, only having a citizen’s arrest authority also comes with special perks, as no citizen of the United States is ever legally obligated to actually arrest another human being.  Of course, whether or not Oklahoma process servers, private investigators, security guards, and bodyguards believe they have a moral obligation is up to their own conscience.

            Before any process server, private investigator, security guard, or bodyguard decides to make an arrest, there are several requirements that must first be met.  These professionals, much like any other citizen, may only arrest another individual if a perpetrator has committed one or more of the following acts:

a)     The person has committed  or has attempted to commit a public offense in their presence.

b)     The perpetrator has committed a felony, even though it was not in the presence of a process sever, bodyguard, private investigator, or security guard.

c)     The process sever, bodyguard, private investigator, or security guard knows that someone has committed a felony, and he or she has reasonable cause to believe that the person he or she is arresting is the one who committed it.

            Before making an arrest, it is important for security guards and bodyguards to try to call for backup.  Having another security guard or bodyguard, etc., there to assist makes matters much easier.  Having a “two on one” confrontational situation is usually so much easier than having a one-on-one scenario, provided there are more security guards than perpetrators.  It is important to put the odds during any potential combat setting in favour of the security guard, bodyguard, private investigator, process server, etc. 

            Once one of these legal standards has been met and backup has either already arrived or is at least hopefully on the way, the process sever, bodyguard, private investigator, or security guard must then search the individual for weapons and contraband.  An arrest is a serious matter, and if the perpetrator has weapons or something else that could cause harm, they need to be taken away.  Of course, this begs the question, “How does one conduct a search?”

            Oklahoma process severs, bodyguards, private investigators and security guards should, if possible, try to have someone of the same gender try to search the individual whenever possible.  However, if no one is available, then someone of the opposite gender should conduct the search.  This means that a male may have to search a female or a female will need to do a full search of a male. 

            Conducting a full body search might lead someone to think, “Oh.  Giggle, giggle.  I have to touch his or her groin or breast area?”  Yes, of course!  A perpetrator can easily hide weapons and other dangerous contraband items in a bra, around the groin area, in the butt crack, and more.  It is nothing to laugh about; rather, it is something that all professionals should take seriously.  There are countless stories of law enforcement officials who have missed guns and other dangerous items when searching people they arrested, and that has placed everyone else – even the perpetrator – at great risk.  Besides, the suspects an Oklahoma process sever, bodyguard, private investigator, or security guard has to arrest are not the types of individuals one would want to spend time feeling those “areas” anyway.  Individuals placed under arrest are often intoxicated, smell bad, are combative, etc. 

            When conducting the search, an Oklahoma process sever, bodyguard, private investigator, or security guard should make sure to do a “rub down” and not a “pat down” of the areas.  Pat downs are seen on television too often, and they can cause professionals to miss very important items (i.e., a gun, knife, etc.).  Also, it is important that “prolonged” rub downs of the groin, bottom, and breast areas – or any area for that matter – is highly inappropriate.  The rub down to check for weapons and contraband should be done efficiently and effectively, and a process sever, bodyguard, private investigator, or security guard should never force the individual to strip off his or her clothes.

            In the event that the person doing the searching finds money, drugs, weapons, etc., they must be turned over to the police or magistrate right away.  Keeping these items is not only illegal, but it is highly unethical and will expose both the professionals and their clients to civil and criminal liability.  Besides, if the person making the arrest only turns around and keeps the items, then how much better is he or she than the person who just got placed under arrest?

            It is also important for professional Oklahoma process severs, bodyguards, private investigators, and security guards to know when and how to put the handcuffs onto an individual.  Depending on the situation, this may need to occur before or after a search of the individual.  When placing the handcuffs onto a perpetrator, there are several key factors to keep in mind which can save the life of the person making the arrest and help ensure that justice is served in a timely manner.

            All too often we see people under arrest who have their handcuffs gently placed onto their wrists, while the arms, wrists, etc., are out in front of the perpetrator.  The biggest danger this poses is that the perpetrator can slip out of the handcuffs, so they need to be on the suspect’s wrists securely but not to where they will leave unnecessary marks or cause undue pain.  This is not the only consideration, however.

            Before actually putting the handcuffs onto a perpetrator, a process sever, bodyguard, private investigator, or security guard needs to make sure that the person’s wrists are turned outward.  When done correctly, this makes it extremely difficult for a suspect to try to escape or put the handcuffs around the professional’s neck and try to strangle him or her.  Also, by applying a bit of pressure to only one wrist that is handcuffed and turned outward, the arresting individual can cause great pain and thus easily subdue someone who becomes combative during the arrest process.

            It is also vital that professionals take great care to handcuff both wrists of a suspect.  If only one wrist is handcuffed, then the perpetrator can easily use it as a vicious weapon against the person making the arrest.  Thus, in this situation handcuffs can become much more of a liability than a help.  Always consider that the person being placed under arrest is potentially dangerous and is likely to want to cause harm.

            Another important factor to consider is whether it is best to place the handcuffs on the suspect’s wrists to where both hands are either behind the perpetrator’s back or out in front of his or her body.  As a general rule of thumb, most law enforcement officials arresting suspects have them place their hands behind their backs – and for a good reason.  Simply put, a suspect with his or her hands behind his or her back with handcuffs on has a much more difficult time causing trouble.  This is why it is advisable for people making an arrest to have the perpetrator place his or her hands behind his or her back while getting handcuffed.

             Once the Oklahoma process sever, bodyguard, private investigator, or security guard has searched and arrested the suspect, they must then be turned over to a local magistrate or police officer without delay.  Hence, calling the police or having someone else do so before making the arrest, if possible, is essential.  Under Oklahoma’s laws, private citizens making a citizen’s arrest do not have to read a suspect his or her Miranda Rights.  Besides, if Oklahoma process severs, bodyguards, private investigators, and security guards said such things as, “You have the right to an attorney,” who is that person indicating is going to pay for it?  The process server?  The security guard?  The bodyguard?  The armed private investigator?  One would certainly hope not! 

            Until the suspect is in the custody of the police, magistrate, etc., he or she is the prisoner per se of the arresting Oklahoma process sever, bodyguard, private investigator, or security guard.  It is important to ensure that the perpetrator does not try to escape, attempt suicide, etc., while he or she is in your custody.  There are a few helpful things a process sever, bodyguard, private investigator, or security guard can do while waiting for law enforcement officials to arrive, which may greatly help with the legal process later on.

            While waiting for the police or magistrate to arrive, it is sometimes helpful for a process sever, bodyguard, private investigator, or security guard to try to be the “good cop” to or “buddy” of the suspect.  Sometimes getting the suspect a cup of coffee or something else to drink can help put the perpetrator at ease.  Doing so can sometimes help the suspect open up a bit more.

            Asking such questions such as, “So, why did you break into the house and steal the television?” and writing down that information can provide much useful evidence for the police and prosecutors.  Getting the person to sign underneath the perpetrator’s responses to such questions he or she has provided to a process sever, bodyguard, private investigator, or security guard is a signed confession!  Taking the nice, personable angle of “just wanting to get everything correct” can come in quite handy when law enforcement officials arrive.  It is important to remember that not all suspects will want to proffer any information and are not always so eager to talk, but it never hurts to try.

            Even if a suspect does provide information after having been placed under arrest, process severs, bodyguards, private investigators, and security guards need to make sure to write down all of the events and factual information in a small notebook, while they are fresh in their minds.  Trying to recall events later on – especially if required to take the witness stand – can be much more difficult months or even years down the road, as people can forget what happened.  Also, professionals should remember that their notebook and any information contained therein can be subpoenaed and used later on in the courtroom as evidence.

            Having said all of this, it is best to leave most arrests up to law enforcement officials.  This not only takes the potential criminal and civil liability off of the non-law enforcement professional, but it often makes the situation easier on all involved.  Besides, a company who hires a security guard may have a written policy directing their security guards not to make arrests.

            Either way, an armed or unarmed Oklahoma security officer who works for a company and makes an arrest should have a written copy of his or her post orders on hand at all times.  This way the company cannot ever come back and say, “Well, we certainly didn’t tell _______ [insert security guard’s name here] to arrest anyone.”  It is always important for security guards, private investigators, bodyguards, and even process servers to cover their own butts (CYOA!).

            Process severs, bodyguards, private investigators, and security guards can often do a plausible job when making an arrest.  By following the aforementioned guidelines and tactics, they will likely experience greater success while performing their duties.  No job is worth getting seriously injured over.  Making an arrest outside the scope of a security guard’s or bodyguard’s lawful authority or some other mistake, even if inadvertently, can cause problems for everyone.  It is extremely important to stay safe, follow the laws, and always remain professional. Please contact the experts at Oklahoma Judicial Process Servers at www.OklahomaJudicialProcessServers.com today! 

Oklahoma Bodyguards and Security Guards on Dangerous Duty Should Wear Body Armor and Other Protective Gear When on Duty

Oklahoma Bodyguards and Security Guards on Dangerous Duty Should Wear Body Armor and Other Protective Gear When on Duty

            Bodyguards and security guards in Oklahoma who are undertaking dangerous assignments should take great care of their safety.  Wearing special protective gear such as body armor (i.e., bulletproof vests) can afford bodyguards and security guards who are patrolling dangerous areas special protection that just might save their lives.  Of course, there are several factors Oklahoma bodyguards and armed security guards  like those at Oklahoma Judicial Process Servers www.OklahomaJudicialProcessServers.com must first consider. 

            One of the most common concerns that many companies have about supplying bodyguards with body armor is the cost.  Body armor can indeed cost anywhere between $50 for some used equipment to $200 or more for newer material.  Given the turnover rate for Oklahoma bodyguards and security guards, many just do not see the cost/analysis benefit.  Indeed, many bodyguards and security guards are not highly paid, either, so they usually cannot afford to supply their own.

            Another common concern among those who are against body armor is the fact that they do indeed make an individual go around carrying extra weight.  This extra weight can prove to be cumbersome for the individual who is wearing it.  Later down the line, carrying too much extra weight of any kind for an extended period of time can potentially cause problems with a person’s knees.  This is a medical problem that has become all too common in the United States and elsewhere, especially for those who are already overweight.  However, this is still not the biggest reason many experts cite as the biggest reasons why bodyguards and security guards in Oklahoma should go without body armor.

            Other detractors contend that body armor cannot stop all types of bullets from all types of guns – and they are right!  Shotguns fired at close range and the infamous “cop killer” bullets, just to name a few, can indeed pierce body armor.  Body armor cannot and will not stop anything and everything from harming someone.  A perpetrator who is out to do nothing but kill someone can, if properly prepared, sometimes accomplish the misguided goal.  Nevertheless, there is definitely a light at the end of the tunnel for body armor proponents!

            When all is said and done, body armor still saves lives and reduces the amount and type of damage!  Numerous police officers, soldiers, Oklahoma bodyguards, and security officers of various levels will attest to this fact.  If body armor did not continue to afford some reasonable level of protection, then the manufacturers would have no reason to make it.  Indeed, high quality body armor can often stop other weapons such as knives and thus potentially prevent mortal stab wounds in crucial areas. 

Likewise, those that also market other such devices like police and Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)-style protective face masks have also found that these can protect other areas of law enforcement officials and bodyguards, armed security guards, etc.  Of course, whether or not other types of accoutrements are needed, stylish, and/or attract too much attention is a completely different debate.

Whatever the case, bodyguards, security guards and the companies that hire them who invest in body armor are making a pretty sound investment.  While it is true that not every individual will work in a situation where he or she will need to go around in a vest, many do need that extra layer of protection.  Having a barrier between one’s body and a knife or a gun can really make a difference – not only to the individuals wearing it, but to those who love them.