How to Become a Bounty Hunter?

October 17, 2022

How to become a bounty hunter may be one question giving you worry. Well, we are just here to help you out with that. When you heard of bounty hunters what comes to your mind- one who hunts animals lol. Anyway, you are not far from the truth.

However, a bounty hunter is known as an isolated professional who gets paid for arresting escapees or those trying to skip bail. Interest in the course? Read to learn how to become a bounty hunter.

How to Become a Bounty Hunter

Becoming a bounty hunter won’t cost you much, if you have an interest in it, this article is must read item for you. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, private investigators of all types earn a median salary of $50,510 annually.

However, to become a bounty hunter, there are some requirements, job descriptions, and lots more to know. Read on to explore.

Who Is a Bounty Hunter?

First time hearing the word bounty hunter? Well, am not surprised as it is not common but it is one of the highest-paid jobs in the US countries.

Bounty hunter is known to be private citizens who are hired by a bail bondsman to capture fugitives and criminals. They operate as independent contractors, typically taking assignments from bail bond agencies.

The bounty hunter is best described as when a criminal defendant misses a court date, the judge issues a failure to appear and gives the bail bond agent a specific period to bring them back to court.

What Does a Bounty Hunter Do?

You already know the meaning of bounty hunter; their work is to capture clients who run-aways from the law. That means, they go for those who skipped bail or failed to appear for court proceedings.

Additionally, they work with bail bond companies, pursuing suspects who have failed to pay bail or refused to show up in court when due.

Below are the duties of a bounty hunter:

They collect new bounties
They investigate fugitives
Perform research
They perform research

All these are duties of a bounty hunter.

Requirements To Become a Bounty Hunter

There are some requirements needed from you to become a bounty hunter, they include:

You need to acquire a certain level of academic qualification.
Professional experience
Connections
License depending on your state
Build a strong network

Additionally, the more connected you possess, the more likely you are to succeed quickly in the field.

How Can I Become A Bounty Hunter?

To become a bounty hunter, you need to acquire a certain level of academic qualification which is not lower than high school, relevant experience, and a license to practice.

Here is step by step to becoming a bounty hunter:

Get Educated

A lot of bounty hunter positions do not have a required minimum education, but you can begin your career by obtaining a high school diploma or GED certificate.

Get More experience in the work

Make sure you do broad research about the work because the job s more practical than theoretical. Get professional experience in criminal justice – often as a police officer or a private detective.

Become licensed, if needed

Most states in the U.S maintain licensure requirements for bounty hunters, which may call for professional experience or education. So, do well to search for the requirements of your particular state.

Build A Strong Network

Bounty hunters need to build a network of connections with bail bond agencies and local bail bond representatives. This will help generate more jobs and contracts.

Begin Working as a Bounty Hunter

Once you follow the info listed above, you can start receiving assignments from the connections you have made with bail bond agents. Make sure the work goes is successful so you will be called on for another assignment.

Jobs Similar to Bounty Hunters

Once you acquire the certificate, you can apply for the following jobs below:

Bodyguard
Inquiry agent
Bail bond agent
Process server
Bounty hunter training analyst
Police officer
Detective
Private investigator

Where Can I Learn to Become a Bounty Hunter?

To become a bounty hunter, you don’t need any specific degree qualification. However, you will find degrees in criminal justice law, criminology, and more. see schools below:

Virginia Commonwealth University
Eastern Michigan University
University of Central Missouri
North Dakota State University
Goodwin College
Yuba College
Youngstown University
University of Connecticut
Eastern Kentucky University
Southwestern College

FAQs

How Long Does It Take to Become A Bounty Hunter?

The time it takes depends on your experience, background, and the path you take. The minimum education requirement to become a bounty hunter is usually a high school diploma.

Do Bounty Hunters Carry a Gun?

The work can be dangerous due to the capturing of unwanted criminals, so they are well-trained in martial arts and other defensive tactics and carry guns, tasers, mace, or other weapons with them for personal protection.

What Is the Difference Between a Bounty Hunter and A Bail Bond Agent?

A bail bond agent is known as a bail bondsman, they assist defendants facing criminal charges to cover the cost of their bail so they can be released from police custody. While bounty hunter works for bail bond agents to find and capture fugitives who have missed a court date.

How Can I Earn a License to Become a Bounty Hunter?

Below are steps to follow to earn a license:

Pass the background check and meet state requirements
Complete training course
Apply for licensure
Gain work experience
Become bonded

Can Bounty Hunters Kick in Doors?

No, they do not. The agreement you sign with the bail bonds company gives them the approval to find you and apprehend you, including using force such as breaking and entering your property if there is reasonable suspicion that you are inside.

Can Bounty Hunters Chase You?

If someone out on bail doesn’t follow court-ordered guidelines or jumps bail, a bounty hunter can chase them down for a reward.

Is Bounty Hunting Still A Thing?

Bounty hunters today, in most states, are licensed and/or registered professionals who play an important role in the bail bond business and therefore in the nation’s criminal justice system.

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