10 Best Bounty hunter schools, Cost, salary | How to Become A Bounty Hunter
10 Best Bounty hunter schools, Cost, salary, Licenses | How to Become A Bounty Hunter. Unlike many professions that have a specific education, certification or training path, bounty hunting is unique in that these professionals can come from a number of different backgrounds.
They are also known as bail enforcement agents. Bounty hunters today are all highly trained professionals who must possess a specific skill set in order to be successful. It is actually a closely regulated profession that is recognized as serving an important purpose in America’s criminal justice system. In fact, in most states bounty hunters are required to meet state-specific qualifications for licensure.
What is a Bounty hunter salary?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, private investigators of all types earn a median salary of $50,510 annually. Below, you will also learn how to become a bounty hunter, job descriptions, requirements, and lots more.
Coursework Relevant to Bounty Hunters
Common coursework found in these programs include:
- Introduction to the Criminal Justice System.
- Criminology.
- Criminal Investigation.
- Careers in Public Safety.
- Crime Prevention
- Deviance and Violence.
- Exploration of Computer Crime.
- Introduction to Forensic Psychology.
- Criminal Law for Criminal Justice.
- Applied Criminal Justice Ethics.
- Research Methods in Criminal Justice.
- Criminal Procedure.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Bounty Hunter?
The exact timeline for becoming a bail enforcement agent varies by state. However, most bounty hunters need a good number of years of criminal justiceexperience to succeed in the field. I’m not saying you can’t come into the field as a novice, but it will be better to have a high level of expertise before taking on the job.
What type of Training do i need to become a Bounty Hunter?
Most states do require at least some training or experience to earn licensure. However, if you are in a state that allows firearms, a carry permit will be needed as well. Training can be completed on the job or through a criminal justiceprogram.
State-specific bail associations provide a host of continuing education options, all of which serve to support requirements for maintaining licensure in a particular state.
- South Carolina Bail Agents Association.
- Tennessee Association of Professional Bail Agents.
- Mississippi Bail Agents Association.
- Kansas Bail Agent Association.
- Indiana Surety Bail Agents Association.
- Georgia Association of Professional Bondsmen, Inc.
- Bail Bond Association of Minnesota.
- Professional Bondsmen of Texas
- Professional Bail Agents of Idaho
- Professional Bail Agents of Hawaii.
- Oklahoma Bondsmen Association, Inc.
- Ohio Bail Agents Association.
- Florida Surety Agents Association.
- California Bail Agents Association.
What are the best bounty hunter school?
1. Eastern Kentucky University
Eastern Kentucky offers academic degrees in Correctional and Juvenile Justice, Criminal Justice, Legal studies, and Police studies. These programs are all beneficial to a bounty hunter as they expose him/her to the basic knowledge of the law, criminal justice, and its impact.
2. Eastern Michigan University
EMU offers a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in criminology and criminal justice and public law. Earning a degree in any of these disciplines will be highly helpful to a bounty hunter.
3. University of Connecticut
The UConn School of Law is one of the leading public law schools in the country. It offers a professional education of the highest quality that prepares its graduates for a lifetime of fulfilling service in any career they choose, including the bar, government, business, and education.
4. North Dakota State University
Criminal justice as a discipline focuses on the broad areas of law enforcement, courts, and corrections, as well as criminological and legal theories that inform practice in these areas. The work of criminal justice practitioners may include police patrol, criminal investigations, supervising juveniles on probation, counseling and correctional work in institutions, group homes, or halfway houses, and other rewarding careers.
5. University of Maryland College Park
With a focus on the promulgation of research-based policies to prevent and control delinquency, crime, and terrorism, the department trains graduate students to conduct and understand basic and applied research; and the provision of undergraduate education of the highest quality including internships and international experiences.
6. Youngstown University
Youngstown’s Criminal Justice students study the law inside and out, and how best to protect citizens under those laws. You learn in-depth studies of case laws, statutes, and rules at the state and federal levels. Many students also choose to go on to law school after earning their degrees.
7. Goodwin College
Goodwin college’s associate degree in Criminal Justice will give you the opportunity to experience and learn about all aspects of the Criminal Justice system. You will improve the critical thinking skills necessary for modern law enforcement, security, emergency response, and investigative professions.
8. University of Central Missouri
The University of Central Missouri offers an undergraduate degree in Criminal justice. This course exposes intending and professional bounty hunters to the criminal justice system.
9. Virginia Commonwealth University
VCU offers a degree in criminal justice. This program is designed for bounty hunters who wish to gain not just physical strengths but also academic strength to back it up. The bachelor’s program in criminal justice equips students for careers in criminal justice, forensic crime scene investigation, and other public service professions.
10. Southwestern College
The university offers a degree in public safety, law, and professional studies where you have programs like Law enforcement, legal interpretation, paralegal studies, and administrative justices. These programs add value to a bounty hunter.
How Can I Become A Bounty Hunter?
Bounty hunters are private professionals who aid the criminal justice system. They work with a bail bondsman to pursue and apprehend fugitives. They also conduct investigations, interview subjects, and monitor the identity of suspects.
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.
Step to becoming a bounty hunter
a. Get Educated
Becoming a bounty hunter does not require a specific degree. Anything less than a high school degree is off it. However, a degree in criminal justice or law enforcement will help you build the necessary skills, thus, make the job easier.
b. Gain Experience
The job is more practical than theoretical, therefore, a certain level of experience is required to excel in the field. Professional experience in criminal justice — often as a police officer and/or a private detective — can prepare bounty hunters for the multiple challenges in the field.
c. Obtain A Bounty hunter License
Most states in the U.S maintain licensure requirements for bounty hunters, which may call for professional experience or education.
d. Build A Strong Network
To obtain assignments, 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.
How Can I Earn a License and Become A Bounty Hunter?
1. Pass a Background Check and Meet State Requirements
Before a bounty hunter license is granted, a background check is required. This is used to determine the applicant’s history and qualifications.
2. Complete Training Course
Most states require bail enforcement agents to complete a training course before granting them a license. Candidates can check with the state licensing departments for outlined bounty hunting training programs. The number of training hours varies per state. Previous experience in law enforcement may exempt individuals from a training course.
3. Apply for Licensure
Some states demand documents like a copy of the applicant’s driver’s license or identification card, a recent photograph, a fingerprint card, a high school diploma or college transcript, a bail enforcement training course certificate, a motor vehicle report, and a recent credit report.
4. Gain Work Experience
Some states demand that entry-level bounty hunters work as apprentices under experienced bail enforcement agents. These apprentices must accomplish a certain number of hours before they advance to higher positions or to work as independent contractors of a bail enforcement agency.
5. Become Bonded
Being a bounty hunter does not end at obtaining a bounty hunter’s license. The individual must maintain a surety bond in an amount specified by that state.
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