This week a viewer and process server asked me if you can tape a civil service pack to a door if you’re supposed to do personal process service?

At first you might think, “No way! If you’re supposed to serve the pack personally you can’t just leave it at the door.” But, consider this…

If the client says it’s Okay, then it’s Okay.

For example, if you tell the client that you’ve tired serving the person on three different days, at three different time and just can’t seem to catch them at home, then the client may say it’s alright to leave the papers for them on the door. Or your client may say it’s fine to serve them to another person living at the residence (like a family member or a roommate).

If you’re new to serving process, you might be surprised at how often people honor service of process even if it’s not “technically” necessary to honor it. No, don’t get me wrong! You absolutely NEED to serve it legally and ethically! I’m just saying, most people pretty much play along with the rule society has set down.

WARNING:

There is one thing you can NEVER do and that’s file Return of Service (sometimes called an Affidavit of Service) saying you served the person personally when you didn’t. Never. Period.

If you serve them by leaving it at the door, you cannot be at all deceptive with anyone about how you actually delivered the service pack. Got it? Good!

Oh, by the way…

If you need a Process Server badge, I highly recommend you get one at FirstDefenderTacticalGear.com (Yes, I do make money when you buy through this link, but it’s doesn’t cost you any more than going directly there.)

This Process Server badge is perfect for the professional conducting the business of serving court papers. Finally, a law enforcement quality badge for process servers!

NOTICE: If you want this exact badge for FREE, it comes as a bonus when you get my course The Investigator’s Ultimate Guide to Process Serving.

Committed to your success,
Larry Kaye,
Private Investigator (Ret.) &
#1 Best Selling Author

P.S. – Don’t miss my special report, If You Want to be a Private Investigator Give Up… Unless you Do These Three Things. You can get it right here…

If you’re a security guard and you’re frustrated because no one else seems to take the job seriously or be nearly as security conscious as they should be, then this week’s training video is for you!

I sympathize with your frustration. I’ve been there and done that.

In my 25+ years in the security and investigations profession, I’ve been the junior, second shift, part-time security guard and I’ve the Security Manager. Let me share with you an exercise I’ve found helpful.

The Exercise

Here’s what I what I want you to do. Imagine how security conscious s the average person is.

Really take a moment. Answer the question. How security conscious is the average person?

Got your answer?

Good. Now realize that half the people are less security conscious than the average person. Period.

The final step of the exercise is to just accept it.

Accept that most people don’t have a clue. They don’t. Any any attempt to train them, coach them or explain to them is going to have minimal (minimal!) impact on their behavior.

The Big Lesson: You can’t change other people.

The Bigger Lesson: You can only change yourself.

If you get that, then you are on your way to being the best version of yourself you can be. And that means in all aspects of your life (including your work life as a security professional).

Committed to your success,
Larry Kaye,
Private Investigator (Ret.) &
#1 Best Selling Author

P.S. – And, of course, don’t miss my special report titled… If You Want To be a Private Investigator Give Up… Unless You Do These Three Things. You can get it right here…

When you need more time to answer a question or make a decision use the magic phrase “full consideration”. This allows you to avoid being “ambushed” or to let the requester know you value the idea he’s brought to you while still allowing you the option of tactfully saying “no” with a well thought-out explanation attached.

This phrase works well in person, but also in correspondence like emails.

It’s important to have magic phrases handy because it allows you to level-up your communication and leadership game.

White Belt Mentality

You don’t want to have a white belt mentality. By this I mean you need to be thinking in terms or advancing your skills so when you meet a “threat” you can handle it.

Plus, a black belt gives you the confidence to know you can handle whatever comes your way. And that means you are a better private investigator, process server, security professional or leader!

I didn’t include this Magic Phrase in my book 51 Magic Phrases to Get What You Want:The Secrets of Instant Influence for Private Investigators, Process Servers, Security Guards and You! That means this is a bonus magic phrase if you’ve already got the book.

But, if you haven’t yet gotten your copy, check it out on Amazon!

Committed to your success,
Larry Kaye,
Private Investigator (Ret.) &
#1 Best Selling Author

P.S. – And, of course, don’t miss my special report titled… If You Want To be a Private Investigator Give Up… Unless You Do These Three Things. You can get it right here…

If you’re a Loss Prevention Officer and you’re frustrated by your store’s No-Touch Policy, then this week’s training video is for you because I teach you how to approach the shoplifting problem in ways that still let you file criminal charges!

Deterrence is what the store really wants and this really is the safest and arguably smartest thing to do.

So, when you see a shoplifter getting ready to steal, send a sales associate to the area or directly to the person to “help” them with their shopping. This is really effective most of the time.

This is especially practical if your store will budget the payroll for the necessary number of workers to do this. Hey, Management… you’re going to pay one way or another. Either with “payroll” or with “loss”. That’s just they way it is.

Unfortunately management is frequently evaluated on their payroll numbers and not the loss numbers. That means management creates a dangerous work environment for L.P. because management is rewarded for keeping their payroll spending low.

Making no-touch apprehensions isn’t something I’m against (personally). They do occur!

When I worked in Loss Prevention, about 80% of shoplifters voluntarily returned to the L.P. office, where we processed them and filed charges later downtown.

If your store’s policy permits it, I believe this is a good compromise.

The Alternate Plan

Prepare a strong criminal case.

Usually this means a “theft” case, but no matter what crime you plan to charge them with, collect your evidence, identify the suspect (as best you can) and present the case file to your local police. There is a detective (or squad of detectives) who handle theft/shoplifting cases in your area.

Or you may want to present your case file to the Prosecutor’s Office. They can file charges as well.

I really want your feedback on this important issue. Let me know your ideas or things that are working in your store!

In the meantime, this is Larry Kaye reminding you to do the right thing, even if it’s the hard thing.

Committed to your success and safety,
Larry Kaye,
Private Investigator &
#1 Best Selling Author

P.S. – And, of course, don’t miss my special report titled… If You Want To be a Private Investigator Give Up… Unless You Do These Three Things. You can get it right here…

IMPORTANT NOTE: Don’t be a follower. Be a student! Study my ideas. Study other experts’ ideas and make a decision for yourself! Don’t just follow anyone’s advice blindly!