If you would like to become a bounty hunter in Alaska you must complete the following steps:
 | Meet Alaska Basic Eligibility Requirements |
 | Prepare Physically and Mentally in Alaska |
 | Complete Education and Licensing in Alaska |
 | Pursue Employment in Alaska |
In the largest state in the country, bounty hunters are presented with several unique challenges regarding the pursuit and apprehension of bail jumpers. Not only is there an enormous amount of geography in which fugitives may seek refuge but the oftentimes bleak and forbidding climate native to this northernmost state can discourage all but the most determined bounty hunters. The proximity of a foreign country, Canada, can also pose risks to bounty hunters who wish to pursue fugitives across national borders.
Bounty Hunters in Alaska do not need a specific license in order to enter the profession, however obtaining at least an associate’s degree in law enforcement or criminal justice would significantly help you. There are a number of legal aspects to being a bounty hunter, and having a law or law enforcement related degree can significantly help you stay on the right side of the law. Another highly recommended step is to become a licensed bail bondsman. This is because bounty hunters typically work closely with bail bondsman.
Step 1. Meeting the Basic Eligibility Requirements in Alaska
The first step to obtaining a bail bondsman’s license in Alaska is to meet the basic eligibility requirements. In order to obtain the license you must:
- Physically establish the business within the boundaries of the state of Alaska
- The business can only be appointed by, or act on behalf of, a surety insurer which pertains to bail bonds
*Note: Alaska does not require a test to obtain the bail bondsman’s license. In order to obtain the bail bondsman’s license, you must go through the Alaska Division of Insurance.
Step 2. Prepare Physically and Mentally in Alaska
Due to the extremely daunting environment that Alaska presents, prospective bounty hunters must possess superlative physical conditioning, tracking skills and intellectual ability. In order to develop the traits and skills necessary to succeed in the demanding profession, bounty hunters must engage in physical training from an early age. Many combat and tracking skills may be acquired through a rigorous physical regimen and habitually engaging in activities like hunting. Junior ROTC programs in high school may be able to facilitate peak physical conditioning.
Step 3. Consider a College Education in Alaska
Many bounty hunters enter the profession with the intention of acquiring valuable skills that can translate into a successful law enforcement, private detective or security career. Most of these professions require some form of post-secondary education. More importantly, the most successful bounty hunters are also usually highly knowledgeable individuals with deductive reasoning and investigative skills.
Many bounty hunters may attend a two or four year college to acquire knowledge of criminal justice, police studies, government, psychology or law. These majors provide a valuable understanding of the law enforcement framework they will be operating in, as well as insights into the behavior of wanted outlaws.
One of the best ways to prepare for a bounty hunting career is to attend a training program or school. These courses provide firsthand knowledge about bounty hunting tactics and skills. Most of these courses were designed or taught by actual bounty hunters who can provide additional information.
Step 4. Pursue Employment in Alaska and Keep Up with Continuing Education
For bounty hunters who are just entering the profession, they may find opportunities to work with some of these notable bail bonds companies:
- Defendant Monitoring
- Breakout Bail
- Steven Mehr Bail Bonds
- Bailbond.com
Many of these companies typically pay about ten percent of the bond amount as a reward for safe capture and return, but rookie bounty hunters may have to take a smaller percentage to obtain an assignment.
Remember that Alaska insurance producers (including bail bondsman) must take 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years. Out of these 24 hours at least 3 hours must focus on ethics. Alaska continuing education requirements can be satisfied through either classroom courses, web courses, or a combination of each. Also, if you a bounty hunter operating in Alaska, but you are a non-resident of Alaska, you will have to comply with Alaska’s continuing education requirements if your state does not have its own requirement.
If you would like to join a bounty hunter professional association, you may wish to contact one or more of the following organizations:
- National Association of Fugitive Recovery Agents
- US Professional Bail Bond Investigators Association
- National Association of Bail Enforcement Agents
Source: http://fugitiverecovery.com/bail-bond-laws/directory/alaska/