There are a number of steps that must be performed prior to serving as a bounty hunter in Connecticut. These include:
Determine if you are Qualified in Connecticut | |
Complete Training and Education in Connecticut | |
Apply for a Connecticut State License | |
Find Employment in Connecticut | |
Renew your Connecticut Licensure |
The state of Connecticut rigorously polices the bounty hunter profession by maintaining strict licensing requirements. The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection is the licensing agency for bail enforcement agents in this state.
Step 1: Determine if You are Qualified in Connecticut
Connecticut sets a relatively high standard that all prospective bounty hunters must meet. This includes:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- No felony convictions or misdemeanor convictions of a serious nature
- Must provide fingerprints and a photograph for a background investigation
- Must complete a 20 hour training program
- Must be a U.S. citizen
Step 2: Complete Training and Education in Connecticut
In order to serve as a bail enforcement agent in Connecticut, you must first become certified through completion of a bail enforcement agent course. The course includes training and instruction in the following topics:
- Criminal justice
- Skip tracing
- Handcuff techniques
- Liability issues
- Legal issues
- Judicial process and procedures
If you wish to carry a handgun or other firearm during the performance of your bounty hunter duties, you must apply for a supplemental firearms permit. Applicants for this permit must first complete a training course in the safe use of firearms and demonstrate proficiency through a range qualification.
Both of these courses are available through state certified training academies.
Step 3: Apply for a Connecticut State License
You must complete the following procedure to become a bail enforcement agent in Connecticut:
- Submit a signed, completed application to the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection
- Provide a $200.00 certified check or money order payable to the Treasurer, State of Connecticut for the licensing fee
- Provide a 2 x 2 full face passport type photo
- Submit fingerprints for a background investigation
- Provide four letters of character reference
- Provide a copy of high school diploma or college transcript
- Provide a copy of certification of completion of the bail enforcement agent training course
In some cases, an oral interview with an Investigator from the Special Licensing and Firearms Unit may be required prior to licensure. It typically takes eight weeks to complete the background investigation, so it will usually take at least that long for the licensing board to issue a license.
Step 4: Find Employment in Connecticut
There are numerous bail bond companies in the state that are willing to hire a licensed bounty hunter including:
- Bail Co Bail Bonds
- Capitol Bail Bonds
- Premier Bail Bonds
- Affordabail Bail Bonds
Step 5: Renew your Connecticut Licensure
In order to qualify for license renewal, you must file a license renewal application along with a $100 license fee at least two weeks prior to license expiration. Connecticut does not require bail enforcement agents to complete any continuing education requirements.
You may wish to contact the following to become a member of a Connecticut bounty hunter association:
Sources: http://www.ct.gov/despp/cwp/view.asp?a=4213&q=494604