Fugitive Recovery Network (FRN)
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Questions about the business
https://ftp.fugitiverecovery.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=15153		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  coda [ Tue 20 Aug 2013 15:33 ]
Post subject:  Questions about the business
Hi, I'm an aspiring author writing a novel about a bounty hunter, and if nobody minds, I was wondering if I could get the answers to a couple of questions? Sorry if this isn't kosher; if it isn't, mods, feel free to delete this.

1. Can a bounty hunter be entirely freelance, as in hearing about or seeing a bounty and going after him independently, or does he have to be part of an agency or business?

2. Can someone be a private investigator and a bounty hunter at the same time?

I suppose that's it. Thanks in advance! :D
Author:  NYPD BLUE [ Tue 20 Aug 2013 18:54 ]
Post subject:  Re: Questions about the business
coda wrote:

1. Can a bounty hunter be entirely freelance, as in hearing about or seeing a bounty and going after him independently, or does he have to be part of an agency or business?

2. Can someone be a private investigator and a bounty hunter at the same time?



1) In some States Yes, he may work as an Independent Contractor with a Bail Bond Company / Insurance Company, and in Some Other States NO, (Like Florida - IT IS A FELONY 3RD DEGREE to BOUNTY HUNT, one must be a Licensed Florida Surety Agent and Resident of Florida to affect arrests of people failing to show up for court appearances while out on bond, or arrest for violating one's Bail Bond Conditions)...

2) Yes, one can be both in some States... once again Laws are different from State to State..
Author:  indybail [ Wed 21 Aug 2013 06:33 ]
Post subject:  Re: Questions about the business
Here in Indiana you must be licensed as a recovery agent or a bail bondsman. Also you can concurrently hold a PI license with either.
Author:  SURETYRISKMANAGEMENT [ Wed 21 Aug 2013 18:20 ]
Post subject:  Re: Questions about the business
In California, the bounty hunter must be authorized by the bail bond company to pursue the "wayward bail client." This authorization to apprehend must be in writing.
Author:  OrangeCountyBounty [ Thu 22 Aug 2013 15:55 ]
Post subject:  Re: Questions about the business
The answer to #1 is actually an unequivical "NO". To do "bail fugitive recovery" one must be sanctioned, by either the surety or bondsman, for that individual case. Now, the old-school original definition of "bounty hunter', was anyone who brought in, or killed, folks for a price. These folks would learn of a "bounty" on someone's head and set out after them. It is in no way connected to legitimate bail enforcement. Nor is it legal.
Author:  speezack [ Thu 22 Aug 2013 21:38 ]
Post subject:  Re: Questions about the business
Virginia, you need be licensed as each.... bail bondsman, recovery agent, PI.... but you can be all or any at the same time, but licensed.

DCJS (Department of Criminal Justice Services) is the regulatory agency of the above and in fact, they also oversee many other licensing requirements.... for the following:

and for reference, their website: http://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/index.cfm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow


Registration Categories:

Conservator of the Piece
Tow Truck Driver
Alarm Respondent
Armed Security Officer
Armored Car Personnel
Central Station Dispatcher
Out of State Central Station Dispatcher
Electronic Security Sales Representative
Electronic Security Technician
Electronic Security Technician's Assistant
Locksmith
Personal Protection Specialist
Private Investigator
Security Canine Handler
Unarmed Security Officer/Courier

Let's just say, they have their hands full.................... and it seems, their pie get a bit larger as time goes on............... :shock:
Author:  adarbyem [ Wed 28 Aug 2013 02:28 ]
Post subject:  Re: Questions about the business
1. As most folks have, and will say, this varies by state. In Washington, you can be freelance. The licensing requirements are fairly strict, but not as strict (or intensive) as other states. We (in WA) do not have to "work" for a specific bail bond agency exclusively. We just have to be licensed, have a contract for a fugitive with a bail bond agency, and a notice of forfeiture and/or notarized affidavit (usually for bond revokes) to surrender a fugitive to jail. Out of state recovery agents must work with a WA licensed agent to perform recovery operations in Washington.

2. While I do not have the specifics on this answer, I do not see why there would be restrictions in Washington preventing this. (Other WA PI's chime in if you have conflicting info).

That is what i've got, long story short is that what you are asking varies greatly by state. Good luck with your novel and I hope you get all the information you are looking for and as accurately as possible.
Author:  OrangeCountyBounty [ Wed 28 Aug 2013 17:31 ]
Post subject:  Re: Questions about the business
You can, and MANY do, freelance in California, too. What I meant by "sanctioned", was that you had to be hired by them for that specific case, not that you had to be working for them in any regular capacity. Nowhere, do I believe, can you just get word of a fugitive and, licensed or otherwise, pursue and apprehend them outright. In some way, shape or form, you have to be onboard with the bondsman or surety that wrote the bond.
Author:  speezack [ Thu 29 Aug 2013 17:29 ]
Post subject:  Re: Questions about the business
One of my "former" associates.... went into a small town in NC and put up about a dozen "wanted posters" with the picture of the skip and a statement.... "WANTED DEAD OF ALIVE?!"

The local sheriff and also the police chief called me and asked what the hell was the matter with "my buddie?".... I called him and told him to call the sheriff and a few months later... the sheriff, whom I knew a bit better than my buddie... told me that he "blasted" my associate and told him.... "Mr. @#$%, this is not Tombstone or Dodge City and you ain't Hopalong Cassidy or Clint Eastwood... so to take down those posters RIGHT NOW!!!" :mrgreen: :roll:

My friend and associate, whom I have known for many, many years... over 35... is no longer in the business... he retired last December... He and I went into the business the same time... he chose to get out.... I am still at it....


Maybe I should delete this and put it somewhere else... oh well.... :roll:

BTW..... MY SON AND I MADE A NICE RECOVERY TODAY.... did a sneak and peek and a 2 hour stakeout at a former employers office... other than a guy that looked like ZZ Top coming at me... no, I did not pull a gun... I just told him it would be better not to do anything to me because my insurance had lapsed and I had a bad knee... he just laughed and backed away... no physical harm to anyone, no screaming, yelling... no macho, BS, guns drawn... he went in the back, I went in the front.... cuffs on, back to the jail, end of the deal.... Tim was dressed like he was going to the mall... I looked, as usual, like I was in Virginia Beach at some bar... (which is where I think I am going this weekend) :shock: 8) :roll: :mrgreen:
Author:  Reinere [ Fri 30 Aug 2013 05:44 ]
Post subject:  Re: Questions about the business
I find myself often envious of you Mr Marx.
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