Under the requirements of the SPARE Act, one of the key elements is a quality photo. Not only does the picture clearly identify the address where the attempt took place, it provides an indelible stamp of the GPS, time, and date that you were at the site. This becomes the foundation of your diligence for each and every attempt.
Acceptable/Unacceptable Photos -- A picture is worth a 1,000 words (or, How I Verified My Attempts with Quality Photos)
Every attempt needs a photo with GPS and time-stamp data, taken of the door or entrance, whether or not you make contact. The photo can/should be taken as soon as you arrive or as soon as practical in the event that you need to approach the front door or entryway first (and a photo from the street would be inconclusive).
Here are some examples of both Acceptable and Unacceptable photos that have been recently submitted.
Acceptable Photo #1 --
entryway (although obscured by plants) and street number
(extra credit for car in the driveway)
Acceptable Photo #2 --
school entryway (with signage pointing to Administration)
this photo was combined with another showing the exterior of the school
Acceptable Photo #3 --
house doorway
Acceptable Photo #4 --
illustrates gated address (resident refused access through call box);
combined with photo of the call box and cars parked in front of the property
Unacceptable Photo #1 --
photo is too dark/no discernable image
Unacceptable Photo #2 --
photo is of a curb, not a doorway or entryway
Unacceptable Photo #3 -
beautiful sunset, but again not a doorway/entryway; taken from a phone library
And, remember that no matter how good the photo is, the written details of what you see and encounter at the address needs to be included in full in your description, since that is what will be reproduced in the proof of service. Always enter an "affidavit-ready description" to give perfect context to your photos.
Sending Attempt Photos to Your Library
Many of you store photos of your attempts in your Library as a backup/safeguard. Fortunately, it's very easy to do.
Tap the Account tab > Settings > Attempt Preferences > Save Captured Photos to Library
Safety or Technology Issues (the "desktop exception")
If a photo isn't safe to take or there is an issue with the technology, you can document why instead. The law makes room for that under the SPARE Act.
See the article on Desktop Exceptions for details.