Bail Enforcement Agent

• Bounty hunters are called bail enforcement agents in New York State. The rules that pertain to bail enforcement agents are found in Article 7 of the New York Consolidated Law. These agents must be licenced by the state. Bail enforcement agents are responsible for upholding the terms and conditions of a person's release from custody in a criminal proceeding. They are empowered to locate, apprehend and return to custody people that fail to appear in court. In exchange for their service, bail enforcement agents usually receive a percentage of the bond.
  
  

Basic Requirements

• A person interested in becoming a bail enforcement agent in New York must submit an application, a photograph and two sets of fingerprints to the Department of State. The photograph must be no longer than six months old. The applicant must have at least three years experience in a related position, such as a police officer, sheriff or investigator. In addition, the applicant must complete an approved bail enforcement agent certification course. However, this course is not mandatory for those with the right experience; for example, a police officer with three years experience would not be required to take a certification course. The fee for applying is $400 as of May, 2011
  
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Qualifying Courses

• The Department of State has issues a list of approved schools that offer bail enforcement agent courses. The Department requires at least 25 hours of instruction and proof of satisfactory completion in an approved course. These courses focus on surveillance, negotiations, skip tracing, apprehension and fugitive recovery to provide applicants the skills necessary to maximize safety and their effectiveness as bail enforcement agents.
  
  

Licence

• The Department of State conducts examinations, interviews and investigations of every applicant prior to issuing a bail enforcement agent licence. This licence is good for two years, but the Department can revoke it at any time if its holder does not meet standards of conduct. New bail enforcement agents receive a pocket card that contains their photograph, name and business address. Bail enforcement agents in New York could have their licence revoked if they engage in any activity prohibited by the state. These activities include committing unlawful acts against any person or property.