This document provides scenarios to test a process server's safety skills. It advises that when serving papers: 1) It's important to research the person's background first to check for any history of violence. 2) Park on the street rather than in the driveway so you have a quick escape route if needed. 3) Politely decline any invitations to enter the person's home for safety. 4) Remain calm and apologize if the person gets upset, without provoking them further. 5) Back away facing the person and home after serving to maintain situational awareness.

1. ARE YOU READY?
TEST YOUR PROCESS SERVER SAFTEY SMARTS
Tuesday, October 2, 12

2. SCENARIO #1:
A CLIENT CONTACTS YOU WITH A SERVE...
Tuesday, October 2, 12

3. WHAT DO YOU DO?
A
“Great! I’ll go ahead and get this served.”
You’re happy to get the job.
You accept it and get to work.
B
“I’d be happy to! What’s this guy’s history?”
You want the job but you ask some
follow-up questions before getting started
Tuesday, October 2, 12

4. UH OH!
Although there might
not be anything to
worry about, it's a
good idea to check the
person's background.
That way you can be
prepared.
Tuesday, October 2, 12

5. GOOD
CALL!
It's always a good idea to
find out if the person has
a history of being
violent, whether it's by
asking your client or
conducting some
research.
Tuesday, October 2, 12

6. SCENARIO #2:
YOU’RE PULLING UP TO A SERVE...
OH, LOOK...
THERE’S THE DRIVEWAY
Tuesday, October 2, 12

7. WHAT DO YOU DO?
A Look for a spot on the street to park.
B Pull in to the driveway and park your car.
Tuesday, October 2, 12

8. HE’S GOT A WEAPON!
OH NO! AND NOW I HAVE TO BACK
OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY!
Make sure your car is
parked in such a way
that if the serve gets
tense or violent it will
be easy for you to get
away.
Tuesday, October 2, 12

9. I’M PARKED ON THE STREET
IN CASE I NEED TO MAKE A
GOOD
QUICK GETAWAY... SMART!
PLAN!
When you first
approach a serve,
evaluate the best place
and orientation
to park your car in
case the situation gets
tense or violent.
Tuesday, October 2, 12

10. SCENARIO #3:
SOMEONE ANSWERS THE DOOR
& INVITES YOU INSIDE
HELLO!
I’M LOOKING FOR
JOHN DOE.
SURE, JUST ONE MOMENT.
I HAVE SOMETHING ON THE
STOVE, WOULD YOU LIKE TO
COME INSIDE WHILE I GRAB IT?
Tuesday, October 2, 12

11. WHAT DO YOU DO?
A “No thank you, I’ll wait outside”
Politely decline the invitation
B “I’d love to, thanks!”
Accept and step inside for a moment
Tuesday, October 2, 12

12. OOPS!
It's never a good idea
to enter the person's
home. There may be
another person inside
or a plan to harm you
Tuesday, October 2, 12

13. GOOD
CHOICE!
Smart move, Server!
The safest option is to be
cordial and wait outside.
Tuesday, October 2, 12

14. SCENARIO #4:
THE PERSON STARTS TO GET ACCUSATORY
WHO ARE YOU?
What are these papers about?
I should wring your neck!
Tuesday, October 2, 12

15. WHAT DO YOU DO?
A
“Sorry, Sir... I just serve the papers.
I don’t know anything else.”
Try to calm him down by playing dumb
B
“Hey, buddy. Don't get mad at me. I'm not
the bad guy here.You are.”
This guy’s a jerk... you let him know.
Tuesday, October 2, 12

16. DUDE.
YOU SHOULD HAVE PAID YOUR
CHILD SUPPORT.
BAD IDEA!
It's never a good idea to provoke the person... no
matter how much they might deserve it. If they get
angry, diffuse the situation by apologizing and
explain that you don't have further information.
Tuesday, October 2, 12

17. LA LA LAAA...
I CAN’T HEAR YOU!
GREAT IDEA!
If the person is agitated, it's best remain calm and
polite. Apologize and let them know that you do
not have further information. Do your best to
diffuse a potentially violent situation.
Tuesday, October 2, 12

18. SCENARIO #5:
YOU’VE COMPLETED THE SERVE
Tuesday, October 2, 12

19. WHAT DO YOU DO?
A Turn around and walk back to your car
B Back away towards your vehicle
Tuesday, October 2, 12

20. CAREFUL!
Turning your back puts
you in a vulnerable
position. Keep your
eyes on the person
and the home you are
serving to make sure
they don't attack.
Tuesday, October 2, 12

21. SMART!
Keeping your eyes on the
person and the front
door is the safest choice.
That way if the person
decides to attack you will
see it coming.
Tuesday, October 2, 12