What should a process server do if they sense a threat while serving documents?

Prioritizing safety is crucial for process servers, as their job involves encountering various individuals in different situations, which may sometimes escalate to threatening behavior. If a process server senses a threat while serving documents, the appropriate response is to prioritize their own safety first. This means not engaging with the individual who is perceived as a threat and instead removing themselves from the situation if necessary.

Additionally, documenting the incident is essential for several reasons. It creates a record of the encounter, which can provide valuable information should any further action need to be taken, such as filing complaints or seeking legal protection. This documentation can also support any claims about the nature of the incident if the behavior of the recipient leads to future legal matters.

In comparison, other responses do not align with best practices for ensuring the safety of the process server. Ignoring the threat can put them at unnecessary risk, while attempting to confront the individual could escalate the situation further. Lastly, calling the recipient to discuss the situation does not address the immediate concern of personal safety and could provoke a negative response. Prioritizing safety and documenting the threat is the most responsible course of action for a process server in this context.