How do I start?

Greetings,

I am giving serious consideration into entering the Fugitive Recovery field and I need some advice.

Background on Me:

Criminal Justice turned Christian Theology Major turned College dropout. I stopped because I no longer have an interest in aquiring a burdensome debt load, not because I'm lazy. Plus I can teach myself the same things I am learning. I have heavy interests in theology, law, justice, and Constitutional Government. I'm not an idiot.

I am 23 & have a Concealed Carry Permit in KY.

Have law enforcement experience, but only as a volunteer. The officers I worked with let me do most everything they did with certain boundaries in mind. But no where near the experience of an ex-LEO.

Currently I am studying for my state PI exam and hope to be licensed by next summer.

Why Fugitive Recovery:

I have been interested in this and PI since I was 16. I am intriguied by investigation and the social dynamics involved in the criminal underground.

I have concerns about the field and whether it's viable. But mostly because I have absolutely zero experience and without your help I will continue to follow along blindly.

I cannot bounty hunt in KY. Haven't figured out why yet, but Indiana is just across the river about 10 minutes away. I can relocate if I cannot get them to waive my residency requirement.

In any case, I want to begin studying now in conjunction with my PI studies. What do you recommend and how do I break into the field (at least a year after I begin PI work)? What's the hiring process like at an agency? Or will I just receive notices (such as wanted posters) and have at it at will?

Like I said, without your help I will be like the blind leading the blind. Help me find the light.

- Mark[/b]

You should start by reading ALL related posts in this forum. If indeed you are not an idiot, then you will have the know-how to do this task and if you have the appropriate skills it takes to SEARCH for information, you will find it.
Do that, then ask questions.

Good answer Daron...

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River City Associates
Decatur, Al. 35601

FAQ'S FOR BEGINNERS:

Since we are constantly asked the same questions over and over, and since the seekers of knowledge don't understand how to use a "search" function on a website and prefer that everything be laid out to them on a silver platter instead of conducting thier own research, I am compiling a list of basic steps here for them, sort of a "Bail Enforcement 101 -Entering the Trade for Dummies" guideline.

1) Pre-qualifying as a BEA: No criminal record. (Although some states do allow convicted felons to do BEA work). Since our jobs sometimes require the use of weapons, chemical agents, bp vests, etc. some states prohibit convicted felons from having these items in thier possession. So I really don't see how a convicted felon can be an effective BEA.

2) Licensing Requirements: Check your state and local laws for these requirements. You may have to contact your local Dpt. of Insurance or state bail bonds association for certifications. Not all states require licensing/certification.

3) Take a BEA course. This is discussed in another section on this site. Gee, I wander, can you really find it on your own ?

4) Apprenticeship: Once you are legally certified/licensed, have some kind of training behind you, now you seek out who the best BEA is in your area and ask to be apprenticed to him/her.

Continuing Education Units (CEU'S) While working as an apprentice, attend as many courses, schools, seminars as you can. Take as many online courses as you can. Once you have worked for approximately a year or so and have a few hundred liability-free arrests under your belt, then you may consider striking out on your own.

That's as basic as it gets for starting out. Now maybe all this redundancy will end. Probably not though. there will always be someone who is an instant-gratification, unmotivated type who will still ask the same questions.

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River City Associates
Decatur, Al. 35601

Short and sweet

You do mean the 'DAMMIT I WANT IT NOW' type of individual ~ yep ~ I am thinking that we will never get away from those But all the more reason to be the best that we can be in our field.

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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

Shortly after I posted this I found someone introducing themselves and one of ya'll pointing them to the FAQ, which was helpful. You guys are so sweet & tender with your answers (and welcome mat) and I detect no sarcasm at all. LOL

Out of the schools listed, I found this one to interest me the most: http://www.nabea.org/services/index.htm

Which have you guys attended and which have you heard the most negative feedback from? Blackwater seems good too, but couldn't find any designated Bail Enforcement training. The only thing similar was High Risk Warrants training and that was for military or active LE.

And yes, I've used search. But since you all are interacting with me, I'd enjoy talking with you more. If you don't mind.

Have you figured out why you can't hunt in KY yet? Once you do you will learn that there more to it than just going out and looking for a body.

Also, get a day job if you want to eat.

rotfl Tony, you kill me....

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River City Associates
Decatur, Al. 35601

Ok.....NABEA, NIBE, Compasspoint investigations are all 1st class training courses. Also, the blackwater training you mentioned is EXACTLY what we have to sometimes do.

You need all of the training you can get....Blackwater is exceptional, especially if you can train with your own team, weapons, etc.

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River City Associates
Decatur, Al. 35601

Not quite. I know it has something to do with Stephens v. Bail Association of Ky, but I cannot find where to pull the details of that case online yet. I'll probably have to go to the local law school at UofL to find the details. Care to give me a heads up, please?