Question about a B.E.A. school

I had been looking for a B.E.A. training school in my area; Metro Atlanta ; and after talking to several Bond Agents, I talked to and applied to Specialized Protection Services. One of the main reasons for choosing them is that I will be allowed to get hands-on training, get paid, and work towards my lisences at the same time. However, before I actually begin with them I looked on the FAQ page and they aren't one of the schools listed. My question is "Do you know anything about them?" They do have a web-site (who doesn't now days) and it seems very professional and well developed, so that leads me to feel a little more secure. What do you think?
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L. Scott Thomas

There web sit looks good. And if more than one Independent Bail Bondsman recomends them I would say that is a plus. I would vist the school, speak to an instructor and monitir a class before signing up and see if it feels right to you. Also I would ask the school and the Bondsman about getting work after graduation. With thease different divisons they have they ought to be able to find something for you to do. Just don't let them sick you with being the night security guy in undergroud Atlanta.

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Mark C. Cavendish is a Certified Fugitive Recovery Agent, P.O.S.T. Certified by the State of Colorado and registered with the Arizona Department of Insurance. Member of the National Surety Investigators Network #MC806, The U.S. Professional Bail Bond Investigators Association, and a Life Member of The U.S. Coalition of Bail recovery Agents "Cobra" Control # 1058. Serveing Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico.
phone 520.850.7490 24/7/365

"Sub Rosa"

Thank you. I hav done several of the things you suggest, already, however I will be taking a trip up to see the place. Also, I will plan to call and set an appointment to sit down with the Head Instructor.

I do know that the Owner and The Personel Director both assured me work after graduation. One of the main things that immpressed me was that I would get paid to work cases while I go to school. Now, I understand that most likely a student would only do paperwork for a while; then maybe paperwork and a few phone calls; and then paperwork, phone calls and surveillence. Something like that. As long as I am working...and making positive moves toward my lisense...whatever it takes.

Thank you Mr. Cavendish. I appreciate your help.

SPS is owned by the Evancho's. I know them personally and ahve taken 1 of their courses for Ga. certification. They are professional and legit.

Go for it.

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River City Associates
Decatur, Al. 35601

Mindtracker
Thank you for your answer. I posted this same quetion on the other forum, which I have not checked, yet. If you have not answered SnoWolf's question, there, that is me and there is no need. I appreciate your help.

Last week I received a letter from Jim Evancho stating that the GPBA was not allowing them to hold their continueing education courses this year due to some unlawful fee the GPBA was trying to enforce on them and they refuse to pay. Last year I took the class from Jim and he was a straight up professional no BS guy. I have inquired about the BEA training class and just sent Carol these post asking for an update. Will post after I receive.

Ill dig out the letter and post its contents....

Greg Hindley

Sorry I forgot that Jim says the letter is posted on their site for all to see and the legal dispute..
Greg

"To whom it may concern:

I would like to start by thanking each and every person that attended the bail bonding continuous education course provided by SPS services last year.

Many of you have already started calling to schedule classes for this coming year and have been advised that the GAPB has not allowed me to offer classes. This has caused a great deal of confusion and I would like to explain the circumstances surrounding the GAPB's stance for denying my approval as an instructor.

As many of you are aware in 2002 a group of concerned bondsmen filed a lawsuit against the GAPB to compel them to approve instructors based on specific criteria and to deny them the ability to collect fees from those instructors (other than instructor fees of $125).

On february 12, 2007 I met with the GAPB (not all approved instructors were required to attend) and was advised that if I wanted to continue to teach the bonding professionals in the state of GA I would need to submit a check for $1940.00 that is listed as a certificate fee. Due to the order signed by a superior court judge that clearly states under section 3 "The GAPB will not accept any portion of the maximum attendee course fee of One Hundred and Twenty-Five Dollars ($125.00) from any vendor / instructor", I refuse to pay them.

The GAPB is the only association (at the time of this letter) that represents the industry. If the association will attack its own industry professionals and clearly not abide by a lawful order issued by a court of law then who do they truely represent?

The issue is being attended to and I expect to retur this year as an instructor.

If you would like to see a copy of the consent order issued by the court please go to our website and click continueing education.

Sincerely James Evancho"

Posted by Greg hindley

Greg
Thank you for your post. I will need to call Carol, again, on Monday now that I have read this. I spoke to her on Tuesday, two weeks ago and Thursday of this past and she said she would have Spencer contact me concerning my application. She also stated that she had gone over it with Jim and as far as they were concerned there was no reason that I would not be accepted. Then she only told me that Mr. Hopkins was out of town alot and that is most likely the reason he had not set up an interview with me, yet. So obviously, the letter you received from Jim brings up questions that I will need answered. Although... it may be a situation were they will not offer the continuous education course but may still offer the course for new B.E.A.s. I will have to ask about that.

I will let everyone know if I get an update. And, please, keep send yours. You may get answers or updates before I do.
L. Scott Thomas