A bail enforcement agent, also known as a bounty hunter, is someone who tracks down and apprehends fugitives for a reward. A person who wants to work as a bail enforcement agent must typically complete jurisdiction-approved training in the field. A person who wants to pursue this career may also need to pass an exam in order to obtain a license.
The majority of people who work as bail enforcement agents are self-employed. When a bail bondsman or bail agency needs their services, these individuals are hired to track down fugitives for whom they have provided bail. Although this profession can be lucrative, it can also be extremely dangerous, as criminals are not always willing to give up their weapons without a fight. A person in this field, despite the personal risk, captures fugitives in exchange for a reward from a bail bond agency or bondsman. Typically, the reward is a percentage of the original bail amount.
A person must typically complete training that has been approved the authority in his jurisdiction in order to prepare to become a bail enforcement agent. A person can contact his local police department, insurance department, or department of justice to learn about the training requirements in his area. Such authorities may provide training themselves in some cases, while others may have recommended training programs to which aspiring bail enforcement agents can be referred. Earning a degree in law enforcement or criminal justice is not required, but it may be beneficial, as is gaining experience in a law enforcement position, the military, or a related job. Some people also receive training from experienced bail enforcement agents.
A person who wants to work as a bail enforcement agent must usually obtain a license after meeting the educational requirements set his jurisdiction. Some states require these agents to obtain special licensing, while others may require them to obtain licensing in a related field, such as insurance. A person interested in pursuing this career may be required to submit to a background check in addition to passing an exam.
A person who wants to work as a bail enforcement agent can offer his services to bond agencies or look for a job with an established bail enforcement agency. In some states, a self-employed agent may be required to post a security bond in order to be licensed. Those who work for established agencies, on the other hand, are not always required to post these bonds. As a result, some people may prefer to begin their careers working for agencies, as these bonds can require a $5,000 deposit or more.