Bail Enforcement
Deterring Unfriendly Dogs While on Assignment
We all know that encountering dogs can be a problem while working in the field; I’ve had many unfriendly canine confrontations while working bail enforcement and private investigation assignments and while process serving. In many rural areas, you just cannot avoid dogs on the loose altogether. Stephanie Mitchell wrote an excellent article about preventing and [...]
10Feb2010 | Scott Harrell | 2 comments | Continued
The Power of Using a Badge
A bail enforcement agent stops at a ranch in Texas, and talks with an old rancher.
He tells the rancher, “I need to search your ranch for a bail jumper I believe is hiding on your property.”
The rancher says, “Okay, but do not go in that field over there.” as he points out the location.
The fugitive [...]
What is the Difference Between a Professional Bail Bondsman and a Surety Bail Agent?
The difference between a property bond and a surety bond is simply who is ultimately liable for paying the bond off in the event of a final judgment of forfeiture. A surety bond is backed by a surety (or insurance) agency that the bondsman is qualified to write bonds on behalf and the bond works [...]
18Jan2010 | Scott Harrell | 0 comments | Continued
Michigan Bail Bond Personnel Licensure Act Before the State Legislature
There is yet another move in Michigan to wrangle in the Bail Agents, Fugitive Recovery Agents and Bail Bond Runners working within the state- this time in the form of Michigan House Bill 5536, the “Bail Bond Personnel Licensure Act.”
Read the original bill here.
This bill has not yet been approved by either the Senate or [...]
6Jan2010 | Scott Harrell | 0 comments | Continued
Pennsylvania Association of Bail Professionals Forms Amid Proposed Legislation
From the new PABP website:
“Today the Pennsylvania Association of Bail Professionals stands on the road of a journey already underway. Pennsylvania’s commercial bail bond industry is in a dynamic state of change. Proposed changes affect the Department of Insurance, surety companies, bail bond agents, professional bail bondsman, instate bail enforcement agents and bail enforcement agents [...]
Five Reasons Why Your Bail Bond Agents Should Consider Document Management
If you are like most bail bondsmen, paper is an important part of your day. Keeping track of bail applications, indemnity agreements, receipts and more is key to getting paid and staying in compliance with state and Federal regulations.
Document management, or document imaging, is the practice of digitizing, indexing and archiving both paper and electronic [...]
Potential New Bail Enforcement Licensing Law in Michigan
The following House Bill before the 2009 Michigan Legislature calls for the licensing and regulation of fugitive recovery agents (bounty hunters). This bill has not yet become law. If and when it does or does not, we will update you in a separate post.
HOUSE BILL No. 5493
September 30, 2009, Introduced by Rep. Johnson and referred [...]
Comparison and Contrast of Current and Proposed Pre-Trial Release Methodology
This system has evolved into a commercial bail activity, with the guarantor or responsible party being the citizens. The resulting drain on the budgets of local law enforcement agencies has rendered them crippled in their efforts to recover fugitives. The law enforcement agencies are left with thousands of un-served warrants and their respective reputations in [...]
1Sep2009 | Scott MacLean | 0 comments | ContinuedBail Enforcement Pay and Getting Paid What You’re Worth
Most bail bondmen and women are hard working, honest and ethical professionals, but just like any other client in any other industry getting paid can sometimes present a unique set of challenges.
The question I am asked most often is how does a bail enforcement agent get paid and what should a fugitive recovery agent charge [...]
Body Armor for Fugitive Recovery Agents
I’ve had a few questions regarding concealable body armor lately, especially what type and what level of protection. So I thought it would be best to discuss it here. I firmly believe that going home to my family every night is a GOOD THING and body armor has saved many lives in the [...]
12Jun2009 | Scott Harrell | 6 comments | ContinuedBail Enforcement Licensing in Michigan and the “Professional Investigator Licensure Act”
Right now there is some question concerning whether or not one needs to hold a “professional investigator’s license” in order to bounty hunt in Michigan as a result of the newly amended “Professional Investigator Licensure Act” (Michigan Penal Code Section 750.167b).
I’ve read the “Professional Investigator Licensure Act” which went into effect in May of 2008. [...]
Less than Lethal Ammunition: Myths and Truths
The topic of non-lethal or less than lethal munitions comes up quite often in my bail enforcement assignments. Here are a few myths and truths regarding non-lethal or less than lethal munitions.
Myth: The terms “non-lethal” and “less than lethal” are synonymous with each other.
Truth: There isn’t any such thing as a “non-lethal” munition. [...]
Using Shotguns During Bail Enforcement Operations
One of the most common questions I am asked by new investigators working bail fugitive recovery assignments is, “Should I carry a shotgun while attempting an apprehension?” It is certainly common to see law enforcement officers employ shotguns during arrests and other disturbances when working with a partner but a shotgun is still considered a [...]
8Jan2009 | Ruffin Blaylock | 9 comments | ContinuedProfessional Bail Agents of the US’ VP on the Bail Bond Fairness Act
Jeff Kirkpatrick, Executive Vice President of the Professional Bail Agents of the United States, responds to L. Scott Harrell’s opinion on the “Bail Bond Fairness Act:”
I see it from a different position. The Bail Bond Forfeiture Act will only increase the BEA’s business
