2013 CBAA Convention Review
It took me several days to put this together, hope it can give you a sense of the business not only in California but throughout the Nation.
On October 6, I had the privilege of attending a conference of the California Bail Agents Association, CBAA, which was held in Long Beach California aboard the cruise ship, Queen Mary.
In July of this year I had attended a conference for NABBI, the National Association of Bail Bond Investigators, which was also held in Long Beach. In attendance at that conference were several members of the CBAA and the PBUS organizations and apparently they felt the message that I had presented to the NABBI folks was one that needed to be presented to the CBAA.
Well, since they graciously offered to pay my way plus expenses, what could I say? I must say that I was a little curious that the CBAA, what I considered to be a very sophisticated and educated group of bondsmen, would want an old Virginia redneck bondsman from the very rural south, to come out and give a few tips to such a group as they represented.
But, I went and had a good time and thought I would present a few thoughts related to my visit and the conference… as relates to our industry.
I had a number of interesting discussions over the course of the 3 day event. I talked with some very “big guns” in our industry and also a few that were just getting started and also a few that, let’s just say, did not particularly impress me with their ethics and MO’s. I actually tried to keep my mouth shut and listen and I got a real eye opener in the process.
The first one concerned the size of the average bond in California… they tend to be rather large, in fact, one bondsman had just closed a 1.2m… yes million… for 8%... that computes to 96k premium… and it would appear that some bondmen are writing for much less than the prescribed premium… in fact, I was told by several well connected bondsmen that 8% is the high end and some are writing for much less, even down as low as 1 or 2%. The thought here is that “some money is better than no money” regardless of what is ethical or legal or complaint.
I was also told that there are some bondsmen that are having defendants released WITHOUT ANY MONEY AND NO INDEMNITORS and also, no pictures taken or information collected upon release other than names and addresses… then the bondsman would go to the family and try and shake down the families for the premium or threaten to lock up the defendant that they had just released.
I asked the question during my presentation… “How many licensed bondmen are in California” and the answer was “more than 4000”. The next question I asked was “How many are members of either CBAA or PBUS” and the answer was probably less than 300 total between the two.
CBAA, I was told, has probably less than 150 active/paid members, now if that is incorrect, I would appreciate someone in the know sending me the correct figure because that was presented to me by one of the officers of the association. Those are very telling numbers and simply reflect the facts of what this industry is becoming in a rather quick fashion.
“I may be preaching to the choir here but…………….”
I can only present the following thoughts… We as bondsmen, as private investigators or in whatever capacity we may be involved in related to this industry… strive, for the most part, to be compliant and honest in our business practices.
At least those that I am associated with strive for that level of professionalism. It is extremely disheartening to see and hear stories and facts that reflect the low level of honesty and professionalism that seems to permeate this business.
So before I offer more thoughts, you all just tell me… what is the answer to this question… it is very similar to what is happening in our country, politically and IMHO neither has an easy answer, if any.
I’d like to hear what the rank and file on this site have to offer… I am quite ‘gloomy’ and believe that as long as there is quick, easy money to be made and as long as the sureties are willing to accept this sort of behavior… since they are only interested in their cut… and that is a fact… yep, as long as these stats are in the forefront… I really don’t think it will correct. No regulatory agencies are willing to step up and no sureties are willing to correct it and as long as those agents that are doing this do not get caught… nothing will change…
Well, for what it is worth… I may go broke but I will continue to make a conscious effort to maintain my integrity and character and preach to the choir… and the rest can frankly, just go to H.
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