The popularity of “Dog the Bounty Hunter” has increased interest in bail bond careers, but bounty hunting is only legal in the US and the Philippines. Some US states have restrictions on bounty hunting, but options for training include a degree in criminal justice or a certification program from a bounty hunter training school. The American Institute of Bail and Bail Enforcement offers home study programs and entry-level certification.
The popularity of the A&E reality show “Dog the Bounty Hunter,” starring Duane Chapman and his family, has helped to increase interest in bail bond careers. The Chapmans pursue wanted fugitives primarily in the US states of Hawaii and Colorado. Around the world, bounty hunting is only legally permitted in the United States and the Philippines. If you are interested in a career in bail enforcement and are looking for bounty hunter training, be aware that not all US states allow bounty hunting.
While bounty hunting is legal in most of the United States, some areas have restrictions. These restrictions can certainly limit bounty hunting training options. For example, to be a bounty hunter in Texas, you must first become a licensed private investigator, commissioned security guard, or peace officer. Louisiana bounty hunters must always wear clothing that clearly indicates their profession. Bounty hunter training of any kind is not available in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Oregon because the profession is illegal in those states.
Aspiring Florida bail bondsmen must be licensed only by the Florida Department of Financial Services, Bureau of Agent and Agency Licensing. Not only that, the term bounty hunter is not legally used in Florida; allowed terms are: escrow agent and limited warranty agent. North Carolina and South Carolina also use a state-licensed bail agent system.
If you want bounty hunter training in a state where the profession is legal, there are two basic options to consider. The first is to get a formal college or university education to earn a degree in criminal justice or law enforcement. This option generally works well for people willing and able to invest in post-secondary education. The second option is to complete a certification program from a bounty hunter training school that meets your state’s requirements.
For example, the American Institute of Bail and Bail Enforcement offers bounty hunting training certification. The institute was founded in 1998 by the Colorado Police Department’s Board of Standards and Training. The institute offers a choice of basic training programs for bounty hunters, completed through home study. This allows aspiring bounty hunters to continue working or handling other responsibilities during training. After successfully completing the training program and passing a written exam, trainees earn entry-level bounty hunter certification papers.
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