What should a public officer do if they believe resistance to process may occur?

When a public officer anticipates that there may be resistance to the execution of a process, it is essential to engage the support of county inhabitants or local law enforcement. Calling for assistance serves several important purposes. Firstly, it enhances the officer's safety by ensuring there are others present to help manage any potential conflict. Secondly, it promotes a sense of authority and community cooperation, which can help de-escalate situations that might otherwise become confrontational. Empowering local residents to assist reinforces the idea that the authority of the process server is backed by the community and establishes a more secure environment for carrying out duties.

In contrast, attempting to handle the situation alone might lead to unnecessary risk for the officer, while leaving the situation could result in the process not being served at all, effectively surrendering the task. Ignoring the threat of resistance undermines the officer's responsibility to uphold the law and can lead to complications that arise from not being prepared for potential confrontations. Therefore, enlisting the aid of county inhabitants is the most prudent course of action when facing anticipated resistance.