Frequently Asked Questions - Bail Enforcement Agent
Most asked questions about Bail Enforcement Agent license.
FAQs
What are the licensing requirements for a Bail Enforcement Agent?
Employer:
Any NON-private investigator business entity that wishes to engage in bail enforcement MUST be licensed as a BEA and comply with the licensing requirements, training (25 hours), and background checks.
Private Investigator (PI):
PIs (whether new to the field or existing) AND their employees can continue engaging in bail enforcement WITHOUT further licensing requirements or training.
Business Practice Requirements:
The BEA business and its employees must comply with virtually all the business practice requirements currently in place for PIs and WGPs. Additionally, BEAs must notify local police before attempting to apprehend a fugitive. The form of such notification is to be determined by the local law enforcement agency. Local law enforcement officials may accompany the bail enforcement agent to the site of the intended apprehension. BEAs cannot wear clothes or carry a badge suggesting they are an agent of the state or federal government.
Qualifier:
Experience - Three years' experience as a police officer; an investigator in an agency of the state, county, or federal government; or an employee of a licensed private investigator or at a firm, partnership, company, or corporation where one member has been performing the duties described in the definition of bail enforcement agent; OR twenty years' experience as a police officer or fire marshal.
Education - Completion of a training program not less than 25 hours as approved by the Secretary of State (Training may be waived when the person has served as police officer for not less than three years.)
Freedom from Disqualifying Criminal Convictions - Fingerprints must be submitted with application for criminal history verification with DCJS. (This requisite also applies to officers, partners, or principles, as relevant.)
Other:
Bond - Surety bond in the sum of $500,000
What are the BEA Employee Requirements?
All staff: BEA entity must maintain in its files an Employee Statement for each of its staff and submit fingerprints to the Department of State.
Staff actually engaged in the apprehension and return of a fugitive: BEA entity must maintain in its files an Employee Statement for each of its staff and submit fingerprints to the Department of State. Additionally, it must complete 25-hour training.