The Legitimate Bounty Hunter

Answer 1

Bounty Hunting is a legitimate profession usually involving the tracking down of various fugitives and those who have skipped bail and turn them in for a monetary reward, the “bounty”. Most bounty hunters are employed by bail bond companies. These are considered an extension of the law enforcement system. Bounty hunters are considered to be “freelance” and generally work independently and upon the request of a client. While the truth of the bounty hunting profession may not be as romantic as what first comes to mind, bounty hunting can be a worthwhile and rewarding career. Bounty hunters are also sometimes referred to as “bail enforcement officers” or “fugitive recovery agents” as a more professional title.

There is no formal training required of bounty hunters, but some skills are important to have. A bounty hunter should have knowledge of firearms and martial self-defense, and negotiation tactics. They should also be knowledgeable of state and Federal Laws. These laws can vary drastically by state. The profession is considered illegal in some states, such as Kentucky, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Oregon. Bounty hunters are expected to operate strictly within the laws of the state. Some states require a bounty hunter to have a license, or have other restrictions. It is advised for a bounty hunter to have a degree in criminal justice, liberal arts, or business.

A career as bounty hunter is easily connected to other jobs in the criminal justice field, especially if the bounty hunter gets a criminal justice degree. This allows great expansion in jobs that require similar or identical skills as a bounty hunter, and may be more readily available. The job outlook for bounty hunters is varied, and since they are largely considered freelance, work can be unpredictable. The ability to flow into another profession in criminal justice is highly recommended for anyone considering bounty hunting.

The median salary for a bounty hunter is $62,500 annually. This can vary greatly depending upon the number of service requests the bounty hunter receives, and the time required to track and return the target. More completed contracts usually equates to a higher salary.