Common Bounty Hunting Questions


Why isn't it a good idea to go overseas to catch a fugitive?
2 reasons- First, I am unaware of any other country that will recognize a bounty hunter's authority- it becomes a case of international kidnapping; take Duane "Dog" Chapman's case- he went to Mexico to apprehend a fugitive and was arrested and imprisoned himself because he did not have the legal authority to be working outside of the United States (among others reasons). Secondly, very few professional bounty hunters are prepared, supported or trained well enough to be working internationally- going after someone like Osama Bin Laden would most certainly be the cause of the agent's imprisonment, injury or death.

Could I become a bail enforcer right out of high school?
Some have gone into bail enforcement right out of high school but your chances are extremely slim: age, maturity, training, real-world experience, etc. will probably all work against you. I can't imagine someone wanting to hire a person right out of high school.

Are bail enforcers always on duty?
Absolutely- I can be out and about town and if I see someone that I am looking for, I will most certainly see to it that I take action to have him or her arrested regardless of what I was doing at the time. Additionally, I get phone calls from clients and informants 24 hours a day.

Can I choose who I want my partner to be and do I need one?
You can choose your partner but you do not necessarily need one- I've worked alone on many hundreds of assignments but that again will be determined by your own experience and abilities.

Can I use any type of weapon and armor I want?
No, bail enforcement agents (bounty hunters) are still civilians and as such we must follow all laws concerning weapons and firearms.

When tracking a fugitive do I need to come in a office or do I look them up on a computer I would have at home?
Many fugitive recovery agents work from a home office.

Is there combat training?
Combat training- such as self-defense training, apprehension and control techniques are most certainly recommended.

If a fugitive open fire an the bail enforcer fires back an kills the fugitive will the bail
enforcer go to jail?
That is impossible to determine. Most likely the bail fugitive recovery investigator will go to jail until it has been determined if he was acting in self defense or committed murder.

Do bail enforcers work for them self?
Most bail enforcers work for ourselves.

Can I attend college an become a bail enforcer?
I am unaware of any college courses specifically related to bail enforcement. Certainly, criminal justice course would be a good option.

To get started, you must first obtain industry specific training. Our online course is a great option and has launched the careers of many people who have gone on to work in the bounty hunting industry either for themselves or with other fugitive recovery agencies.

Questions submitted by Marcus Lewis from Lithonia Georgia