I'm interested in learning more about this business

Mindtracker, I think all of us can relate to the new sig . We are the people that most love to hate.

Scotthimself, you will do well by heeding the advice and information learned here. My personal concern is your apparent open unconcern with illegally carrying a concealed weapon. I understand you being concerned with your personal safety, and how it is affected by your work, but at the same time, the fact that you carry illegally, will be a major consideration in getting work with those in bail enforcement who operate within the law and constrants of the states they operate in.

Personally, for me to even consider using you, you would have to complete all of your state requirements and prove to me that you are able to work legally and liability free. At this time, you do not, so I wish you the best in the future, but for now, I can't legally use you. I do wish you the best of luck in the future!

_________________
Kathy Blackshear
Blackshear Investigations
Blackshear Bail Bonds
Sales Associate, Prepaid Legal Services, Inc.
Walsenburg, CO

Proud Member of the AB Reject Club

If I may add a few lines to Momma Kathy's and....Dad Ruffin (that doesn't sound right)...Ruffin's posts:

If considering entering this line of work or law enforcement, then a concern should be that carrying concealed now may adversely affect that decision in the future. A conviction on carrying illegally can, and most likely, would hinder, if not prohibit, entering either of these industries. I also commend ScottHimself for the research that he has done. I, too, did this before getting into this business.

I would suggest continuing this education process. Read posts, here. Speak to some professionals that are actively working in this industry (look for a side note, below) Take courses on this industry (I believe there is nothing wrong with SOME of the on-line courses that are offered; I have taken several). Train yourself in all facets of this business, while you are waiting to get started. You have some time before you are of the legal status to begin...take advantage of that. Hand to hand is a very small portion of this work however, it helps to be in shape and have some knowledge. Lethal and non-lethal weapons training is good to have, although, these are rarely used. Business marketing (because you become the business you are marketing) and business management is important. See if you can find any companies in your area that offer, "ride along" or mentor programs. These may help you in making an educated decision and it will help with seeing how everything works.

(Side Note) There are may people that get licensed and/or certified in this industry, however there are very few people that work full time in this field. Some because they do not market themselves, properly, others, because there isn't enough work in their area. Still others, because they do everything they need to get started but then realize that this business isn't what they see on TV. Whatever the reason, they may be "bounty hunters" but they don't have much experience, in the field. I have said all of that to say this; speak with professionals. Be sure they are gainfully employed by this industry. Anyone that is not may not have the best advise or experience for you to learn from. Not that they will intentionally steer you wrong, however they could be some of the people that "Have been doing this for five years"... But only have 12 arrests. That’s not who I would want advise from. In the beginning, I got some of this advice. I wish I could return it (I heard about using cross-bows as weapons of choice; I heard about using cattle prods on EVERY apprehension; I also know someone that breaks every law, made in Georgia, concerning impersonating an officer and he doesn't care to change)

OK...so it was many lines. I just saw a few areas that may have been left open. I knew from my experience (when I was getting started) that there are things that have not been explained or covered in great detail, which may be of some help. Good luck to you ScottHimself. Other than these few things, I have to agree with all other advice that has been given.

_________________
********************
Thomas SnoWolf
FRN# 1999
GAPB 20120726
NSIS ST0707
http://www.rocksolidrg.com
"The hero is not the man that acts without fear,
He is the man that acts inspite of fear"

You're all correct, and have successfully convinced me against illegally carrying. I'm looking into the legality of keeping my weapon in my vehicle rather than on my person. The injury carrying it exacts against my future outweighs the possible protection benefits, and you're right that the mindset is likely not a good one to be breeding.

As a college student, what would you say, if any, is the most relevant major to this industry? Perhaps Criminal Justice, Psychology, or some type of Business degree? There seem to be many facets of this industry, and I'm not sure how I can best advance myself in school. I plan on looking up some BEAs in my area and giving them a call to hopefully set up an informal interview to get a feel for how they operate and what they do, so hopefully I can get a bit more personal experience on the nature of this business.

All of your replies are greatly appreciated, and the information provided is invaluable.

Honestly...I would say a major in Psychology with a minor in CJ would be a good combination for a 4 year degree.

For short term, fast tracking, I would recommend obtaining a Paralegal certificate as well as becoming a notary public. Not only can you earn additional monies from these fields, you will also make invaluable contacts with everyone you have to deal with as a BEA anyway...DA's, leo's, judge's, court clerk's, etc.

There are 3 equally important sector's that a modern day BEA has to be completely well versed in: 1) The entire CJ system 2) beginning, operating, and marketing a business (yourself) 3) Public relations.

So many people in this field put the emphasis on dealing with cops. I agree that they are a very integral part of our job. However, they are not the ultimate authority that preside's over our mission...bond exoneration. That authority rides solely with the judges/magistrates.

I have met all kinds of people with all kinds of degrees...doesn't mean they know anything outside of thier area of expertise.

Because we are business enitities, psuedo "cops", and we have to deal/interact with the general public 24/7...we have to have all 3 of these areas mastered. Plus, a double dose of common sense doesn't hurt either.

for the benefit of those who don't grasp this whole circle here, try to follow the bouncing cursor...lol

Your client bails a defendant out of jail....def. fta's....you get the case. Now you have to interact with the def's community, the leo community, the def's family, the def's employer, etc....you make the apprehension, surrender to the jail and the whole cycle starts all over.

Now the inherent liability lies in the actual apprehension....use of force, coming onto the def's property or relative's....the possibility of forcing entry....then you have collateral issues....disabled, young, sick, injured, elderly....a million different possibilities. Avoiding being arrested and sued, along with your client, is also equally as important as arresting the skip.

Knowing when not to engage, knowing when to back off..being smart. If you are 1 of these types that does BEA work from the school of "The ends justifies the means"...well then you are a lawsuit waiting to happen.

If you get me sued for a $100k over a $10k bond...then what good have you done ?

I have several philosophies that I have adopted learned from other's. 1 in particular that applies here comes from the movie "Top Gun": "Never force a bad position".

Always remember: Treat people the way you would want to be treated if the situation were reveresed.

1) No sex 2) No robbing or stealing from def's. 3) No excessive brutality.

Remember, these people are your client's clients. Some will even be repeat offender's that you may have to arrest time and time again. Some have relative's who are cops, lawyer's, judges, pillars of the community etc.

There are rules to this game...a code of honour so to speak within the criminal ranks itself. You violate that code...well you just signed your own death certificate.

_________________
River City Associates
Decatur, Al. 35601

Do you really want to get a full understanding of this whole thing ?

1) Sign up for Leo ride alongs with multiple jurisdictions...pd's, s.o.'s, state trooper's, etc.

2) Go to court and observe, watch and listen. Learn on what grounds a judge will exonerate a bond and what they wont.

3) Learn your state's bail laws until you can recite them in your sleep.

4) Clerk as a runner for a criminal defense attorney over a spring break, summer break, etc. Or volunteer with your local Public Defender's office as a research aid...if you have those in your area.

Otherwise, it is a simplified version of the old military style of round robin training.... a few weeks with leo's, attorney's, judge's, Da's, etc...then you get a glimpse into the "Belly of the Beast".

_________________
River City Associates
Decatur, Al. 35601

Sounds like excellent advice, and something I fully intend to follow through on.

Are there any books you'd recommend? There are tons coming up on searches, and I'm not sure which are actually worth the 50-60$ they charge for their manuals, if any. Any "required" reading, aside from law books, concerning basic strategies and tactics employed daily in this industry?

This is only my opinion and should be considered nothing more than a personal opinion but I would suggest anything by anyone named Scott.(I may be biased in that statement )

No, seriously.

Scott Harrell, Scott MacLean, Scott Olson, Rex Venator, Kathy Blackshear, LuVonda Farmer, Leonard Padilla would be a good list to start with. I don't believe that all of these people have written books or been on TV or what have you however these are all people that, through forums, books, Web Sites, e-mails, and/or TV appearances, have improved and advanced my carreer. (SIDE NOTE)There are many more people that can be on this list, however today is a "lazy day" (not working) and my mind is not awake because I just woke up. It does sound as if you have a good grasp of the direction you are heading and that is a great thing. I just wanted to state that there is nothing wrong with the books, classes, and other forms of training tools that are available however, keep in mind that there is no replacment for the hands on, "field training" that Mindtracker has spoke of. The suggestions that have been made by others in this thread, used in conjunction with the books, videos, and courses (on line or classroom) would make for a great way to train yourself while awaiting to actually begin your career. Let us never forget, the forums. There are many people, with much experience, that are willing and able to help right here.

Good luck to you in your venture.

_________________
********************
Thomas SnoWolf
FRN# 1999
GAPB 20120726
NSIS ST0707
http://www.rocksolidrg.com
"The hero is not the man that acts without fear,
He is the man that acts inspite of fear"

Thanks for the reference Scott.

I would like to add a foreign language, Spanish to be fluent in conversationally as opposed to being learned in Castillano.

Secondly, please remember that "Low Impact" keeps you out of court, jail and the poorhouse. Patience equals profit. There is never a case so important that you should fore go common sense to make a capture.

I have observed over the years that personal wealth directly effects the chances you are willing to take. How much do you have and how fast are you willing to watch it disappear?

This is a business for the tortoise mentality with spurts of Rabbit mixed in.

I long for the day when this business goes back to the covert nature it thrives in, without TV shows, newspaper reporters trying to make a career on your mistakes, fugitives learning how we ply our craft by watching and reading said media etc.

I am honored to be considered in the mix of knowledgeable people in this profession, however my heroes are the ones nobody has ever heard of that ply this craft every day with well deserved quiet successes. The ones that are more interested in getting the job done then notoriety.

However, I do count my biggest success as the opportunity to countenance the members of this board as my mentors and friends.

Stay safe,

Scott

_________________
R.E. "Scott" MacLean III

"Leaders are like Eagles, you never see them in a flock, but one at a time"

Chesapeake Group Investigations, Inc.
Chesapeake Bail Bonds
877-574-0500
301-392-1100 (fax)
301-392-1900 (Office)

hmmmm mr ScottHimself has not been back since . . . .

_________________


Do not consider anything for your interest which makes you break your word, quit your modesty, or inclines you to any practice which will not bear the light, or look the world in the face .... Marcus Antonius

I AM Some Folks "KARMA" and A MODERATOR @ FRN

Well what can you expect from the youths of today. 95% of them are lazy, There must have been a video game that came out with a bounty hunter so he wanted to be one. But I guess from the posts he lost interest rather quickly.

Regards,

Eric

_________________
Best Regards,
Eric

Looking for a mentor to give me a foot in the door to this business. Prior Military-US Army- expert marksmam. BHTA training acadamy. ATFE licensed Pyrotechnician; and one hell of a guy. Give me a chance and I'll give you 150% of myself. Will travel in tri state area for this opportunity.

PM for Contact info