PI or BBA?

Hello, I just wanted to introduce myself and ask a small question. Ive spent most of the day searching the site before I posted to see if I could find the answer I was looking for prior to posting -to no avail. So now I come to you. I currenty work in the EMS field and considering jumping the fence into LE. I have taken a couple civil service tests for local LEA's in my area and been researching the BEA field for some time now. I dont know what it is about the field that interests me the most but I find it extremely compelling.

I live in Ohio and the Ohio revised code is a little bit tricky when it comes to understanding lisencing requirements and what not, so I was hoping some of the Ohians in the field here may be able to help me out a little bit.

I see that in Ohio one must be either a licensed PI or surety bail bond license. My question is:
-What education (actual) requirements are there for PI? (this was the info that I could not find). And what are the Pro's and Con's to both PI and a SBB licensing? i.e. Time it takes to get it; insurance etc.

Any help would be much apreciated as I've spent many many hours trying to find this out on my own. I thank any and all who reply in advance.

Joe K.

Since state and federal laws regarding our industry change frequently, the best source for answers to your questions will be your own state attorney general's office. You should be able to find them on your State's website in the government section.

I would contact them and ask them for the particular state codes and statutes, in writing, that answer or guide your questions. Too many times people simply offer thier opinion on what they think laws are, but end up giving out incorrect information.

So go straight to the horse's mouth, ask for the codes in writing, and proceed from there.

I would also check with your state's Dpt. of Insurance. Find out what thier requirements are.

Next, you could check with your local Sheriff's dpt, Da's office, County courthouse licensing division, etc.

Once you have collected all answers, in writing, from all of the various agencies that affect what we do, then you can figure out where you stand.
I wouldn't make these inquiries in person or on the phone. I would send a professionally done business letter, typed out, with a formal busness heading, and include a self addressed stamped envelope for them to mail you thier written responses.

The reason for this suggestion is that if you take verbal advice and it is incorrect, you have no recourse. However, if you have written instructions or guidelines from an authority figure, then at least your butt is halfway covered.

Hitler once allegedly stated something to the effect of "Never put anything in writing if you can avoid it".

Another famous quote that I hear often, and I don't know the original author is this: "If it isn't in writing, it didn't happen".

So send written requests for your information, provide return, stamped envelopes, and then compile all of your data together and proceed from there. Also, you will want to copy those responses and always carry them with you, while saving the originals in a safety deposit box or fire proof box, etc. Safeguard them at all costs.

I have many credentials, certificates, diplomas, etc. that I have collected over the years. I make copies of them and have them in my own version of a "personnel file" that stays in my briefcase. The originals of course are hanging on my office walls. The reason for this is simply too many times I have encountered cops, da's, judges, etc who have questioned my rights/education/qualifications to do what I do. I simply retrieve this file and allow it to speak for itself.

I hope I have in some way helped you out.
Best of luck to you.

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River City Associates
Decatur, Al. 35601

Mindtracker, I thank you for taking the time to respond to my inquiry--I know you have probably responded to similar questions too many times. I have done part of what you say. That is, I have read through the Ohio Revised Code pertaining to PI and SBBA's laws and regulations. I now have a firm understanding of the requirements and procedures that pertain to obtaining said licenses (which are absolutely neccesary in Ohio).

However, I would still love to hear from some "agents" in Ohio and their opinions of the pros and cons to operating as either a private investigator or surety bail bond agent. More specifically, cost, liberties, other work oportunities etc. Once again I thank you and any who respond to this post. You have an excellent forum here with many very obviously experienced people- an invaluble resource. Keep up the good work!

Joe K.

No agents from Ohio have read this post yet?

Anyways, here's what I have found thus far. I received a reply from the Ohio Dept. of Insurance containing a list of certified BBA classes and applications. I read the few books on bail and bail enforcement that were available at the library. However, I would like to volunteer for any bondsman or bond agent in the area prior to taking the class considering the class is only 20 hours and I dont think anyone can gain pertinent knowledge in a 3 day class. I live in the Akron area of ohio; know a number of LE officers and detectives in the area as I have worked in EMS for over 3 years. If anyone works bail bonds or has contact with anyone in this area, I would be greatly indebted to you for the opportunity to "apprentice" with you/them.

Now, I understand that the likelyhood of finding anyone willing to take me on as an apprentice/gofer is slim to none however, I do want to stress my sincerness in this matter and my willingness to learn. Once again, I thank everyone in advance for their time.

Joe K.

Have you checked out N.I.B.E ? They are right next door to you in Illinois.

National Institute of Bail Enforcement. They have seminars almost monthly throughout the country.

Also, relying solely on the internet for marketing purposes is not going to work. You are going to have to "Hit the Streets" as well.

1) Get compliant with your state's requirements. (Nobody will hire you until this is done).

2) Print up business cards, resume's, flyers, take ads out in trade publications, etc.

3) Mass mail and hand distribute your printed materials to all of the bonding companies in your area.

4) Dress professionally. Treat this as a formal job interview.

5) Identify the best BEA that most of your bonding companies use. Approach that person/team with your offer of apprenticeship.

These are the steps to accomplishing your goal. We can lead you to the well, but we can't make you drink. Now you are armed with how to enter the field...it is up to you to either follow this advice and accomplish your goals or to ignore it and flounder around.

Your choice.

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River City Associates
Decatur, Al. 35601

Mindtraker, man your on top of things! I do appreciate all your help here. Just to let you know, that I am in the process of ordering cards and finalizing a resume'. I have been compiling a list of locals in the business and preparing my info for them. Again, I thank you for all your responses.

why order your business cards ? You can do them on your own printer and computer far cheaper than any professional printer will charge you.

You can buy the card stock at Walmart, Office Depot, OfficeMax, Staples, etc. Regardless of what kind of software you have on your computer, you should have some kind of template or free style art work for these kinds of things.

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River City Associates
Decatur, Al. 35601