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.
Fugitive recovery agents are professionals who find and retrieve fugitives who didn't make an appearance in court. Bail bonds companies employ these agents to help enforce the conditions of the bail bonds contract. The bail bond system allows some defendants to avoid spending time in jail pending their trial.
Duane Chapman (born February 2, 1953), also known as Dog the Bounty Hunter, is an American television personality, bounty hunter, and former bail bondsman.
You're not a law enforcement officer and you're prohibited from holdiing yourself out as one. You get no special exemptions when it comes to the use of a firearm. If you have a permit enabling you to carry concealed, then you can do so in the same locations that anyone else can carry concealed.
Federal Laws and Regulations Federally, there are no specific laws that prohibit bounty hunters from carrying firearms. However, they must comply with general firearm regulations, including background checks and permits.
Barring restrictions applicable state by state, a bounty hunter may enter the fugitive's legal residence without any warrant, besides the original bail bonds contract signed by the fugitive, to execute a re-arrest.
Agencies send teams to arrest individuals and return them to court or jail. However, California limits bail bond arrest powers. For instance, bail agents cannot use excessive force to arrest you. Bounty hunters must apply “reasonable force” instead, which means it should be proportionate.
The job can be stressful and emotionally taxing, as bounty hunters deal with criminals and sometimes tragic situations. It requires a strong mental and emotional constitution.
California regulates who can become a bail bond agent. The law requires individuals to meet various requirements to ensure safety and protect the public. Bail bond agents must be 18 years or older. Candidates must pass a background check and complete at least 20 hours of pre-licensing training.