Meet Basic Qualifications for Bounty Hunters in Texas Become a commissioned security officer after completing 30 hours of specialized professional training that is approved by the Private Security Board (PSB) of Texas.
Becoming a Bounty Hunter in Texas can be achieved through formal training and courses offered by colleges and agencies statewide. To become a Bounty Hunter in Texas you first must be licensed as a peace officer, a commissioned security officer, or a private investigator.
Candidates should verify licensing requirements in their area. Gain experience and network within the community. Bail bonds agents and bounty hunters have very close business relationships. Most work for bounty hunters comes from bail bond companies tracking down fugitives who have missed court after posting bail.
While both roles are intertwined, they have distinct responsibilities and legal boundaries. When facing a legal issue, a bail bondsman is your first point of contact to secure your release, while a bounty hunter is the professional called upon when individuals fail to meet their legal obligations.
Bounty hunters are hired by bail bond agents. While some bail bond agents regularly employ bounty hunters, many bounty hunters work as independent contractors who accept assignments on a per-case basis.
State certified bail bondsmen often have the same powers as insurance agents. To earn their certification, bail bondsmen are usually required to earn their high school diploma and take anywhere from 8 to 20 hours of state accredited bail bondsman instruction. (Texas requires 8 Hours).
Bail bond agents can carry firearms (like regular citizens) and make arrests in California. However, they do not have the same power as police officers to investigate crimes, enforce traffic laws, or cordon off specific areas. The authority of bail bond agents is more circumstance-dependent.
Like officers, bounty hunters should keep their license with them at all times while pursuing a fugitive. However, they are not allowed to pose as officers or even wear badges that may make them look like officers. Except in rare cases, a bounty hunter cannot forcibly enter your place of residence.
Training and Education - Overview. (In a Bail Bondsmen "COUNTY BOARD" County) - -Before you can apply to become a licensed bail bondsman, you will have to complete an apprenticeship under a licensed Texas bondsman. This means: continuous employment for at least a year and not less than 30 hours per week.