How to Become a Bounty Hunter

Bounty hunters, also known as bail enforcement agents, are people who find bail-secured fugitives and bring them to justice. They work with bail bondsmen to find criminals who have skipped out on bail. A career in bounty hunting can be dangerous, yet rewarding. There are several things you need to do to get started as a bounty hunter.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• License, if necessary
• Stun gun, baton and bulletproof vest
• Training
• Computer with Internet access to research criminal information
• A badge, shirts and hats identifying yourself as a bounty hunter

1. Head to the public library and read about bail law. To become a bounty hunter, you need to know as much as you can about the laws involved in bail investigations.
2. Find a mentor. The best way to learn about bounty hunting is from someone who already does the job. Spend time with an experienced bounty hunter or perhaps take a clerical job in a bounty hunter's office to get a feel for the business.
3. Take an online course in bounty hunting. Various companies offer online courses in bounty hunting where you will learn about surveillance, negotiations, skip tracing, apprehension and fugitive recovery.
4. Get licensed. In some states, you need to have a license to be a bounty hunter. Research the laws in your own state and meet the requirement to receive your license.
5. Team up with other bounty hunters. Many bounty hunters are part of a group of bounty hunters, working together out of the same office for a particular bail bondsman or group of bail bondsmen. If you would rather start your own bounty hunting business, you can venture out on your own, but it may be more difficult to get clients.
6. Start hunting. Put the skills you have learned to a test and start your bounty hunting career.

Tips & Warnings

• Get testimonials from former students before paying anyone to teach you about bounty hunting.
• Follow all the laws and regulations. Bounty hunting can be a dangerous job.