What are Different Types of Process Server Jobs?

A service of process is the official way of delivering legal documents to an individual. A process server is the title of the person who delivers, or serves, these court documents. Some types of process server jobs include positions in the government's court system and positions in private investigation companies. Process server jobs also might be combined with other types of work. For example, police officers often perform process serving duties as part of their regular job duties.

Some process server jobs are available through the court system. Process servers can work directly with the local prosecutor's office. They play an important role in locating and serving papers to witnesses, defendants or other individuals. In many regions, a license is required to become a process server.

Private investigation companies frequently hire people seeking process server jobs. Research skills are important because it might be difficult to find the individual who needs to be served. Private investigators have access to all types of information, including the ability to run background checks. They usually are able to pull credit reports, phone records and other methods to aid in locating an individual.

Requirements for process server jobs include excellent communication and organizational skills. Computer proficiency is important for investigation and research purposes. Resourcefulness and imagination is essential. Some individuals attempt to avoid being served, which creates a challenge for the process server. For this reason, ingenuity may be needed to locate an evasive individual so the mission can be complete.

There are many legal and ethical standards that must be met in order to have successfully served an individual with court documents. For this reason, many jurisdictions require a license in order to become a process server. Prior to licensing, process servers will need to pass a background check and submit to fingerprinting. Occasionally, a process server will be required to submit to a lie detector test. There are very few areas where licensing is not required.

Process server jobs might sound stimulating, but there are risky aspects to the profession. It is always important for a process server to remain alert and aware of potential danger. A long period of boredom might be followed by a quick burst of excitement.

Some people might react unexpectedly when served with court documents. Many process servers rely on instincts when performing their jobs. Often, they are faced with angry, sometimes violent, recipients of court documents. Knowing the proper methods of diffusing a situation before it escalates is essential to the safety of a process server.