High School
To prepare for a career as a bail bondsman, focus on computer science, accounting, mathematics, government, social studies, and geography. Accounting, computer science, and mathematics will prepare you to handle bookkeeping, record keeping, and negotiations concerning bail money. Because you'll be using a computer for tracing bail jumpers, try to spend as much time as you can honing your computer and Internet research skills. Learning a foreign language, such as Spanish, will make your business more accessible to clients who do not speak English fluently.
Postsecondary Training
Some college-level course work in criminal justice and psychology and training in law enforcement techniques are helpful. Many of today's bail bondsmen have college degrees in criminal justice, although that is not a requirement. Depending on your state's regulations, you may need to complete a certain amount of specific pre-work and pre-licensing education. For example, one of Oklahoma's requirements for those wishing to work as bail bondsmen is to complete 16 hours of education sponsored by the Oklahoma Bondsman Association before they can sit for their licensing exam and begin working.
Certification
Professional Bail Agents of the United States (PBUS) offers four bail enforcement/fugitive recovery courses that cover topics such as surety bail, fugitive recovery, domestic and foreign arrest, and ethics and how it applies to fugitive recovery personnel. Students who complete all four courses are awarded a certificate of completion. Visit https://www.pbus.com/page/RecoveryCourses for more information.
Other Education or Training
PBUS offers continuing education opportunities at its annual meeting. Recent classes included "Using Guerrilla Marketing, Social Media & Other Low-Cost Tactics to Get & Keep Clients," "Electronic Skip Tracing Techniques," and "Awareness and Risks for Apprehending a Fugitive." Contact PBUS for more information.
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