Each year, state governments and process server advocates work toward reform that will keep process servers safer on the job. Unfortunately, most people don’t remember they aren’t supposed to shoot the messenger when a process server arrives at the door with papers declaring impending divorce or lawsuit. The PAAPRS campaign takes process server safety very seriously and is working toward reducing the number of server related assault cases in the New Year.
PAAPRS
The PAAPRS campaign, which stands for “Promoting Assault Awareness and Protective Regulations for Servers,” focuses on raising awareness to the hidden dangers of serving legal documents, including threats, physical violence, and other aggressive reactions.” PAAPRS provides national coverage of all server-related assault occurrences, as well as educational resources and a chat forum for process servers to share their experiences. By bringing such problems to light, people in the same communities and connected by the same responsibilities can support each other and work toward new safety measures.
The Dangers Facing Process Servers
In order to spread the word, the PAAPRS website provides a submission area where process servers can report the assault they endure, as well as the location of the incident. Process servers in every state have suffered abuse in some form.
Process servers risk their recipients using weapons against them out of anger and fear. Since process servers make a living by informing people of a lawsuit against them, many of the recipients are unpredictable and angry. John Taverno, a process server and Vietnam War veteran, for example, was held hostage with a 9mm gun during a process service job in Arizona. He’s had knives pulled on him, objects thrown at him, and much more.
In addition to those imminent threats, process servers also serve papers in every type of environment, including places in deep levels of poverty and hardship. Drugs and alcohol can influence the behavior of the recipients, and animals are often unleashed and dangerous. Since no two cases are the same, proceeding with extreme caution can literally be a lifesaver. With the help of the PAAPRS, hopefully more process servers will learn how to remain safe as they delve into their stack of papers in 2017.
