Bail Bonds: Top 5 Reasons Why Being a Bail Agent is a Good Career
Unemployment numbers have reached a record high, job fairs draw thousands of hopeful employment seekers and less mainstream careers that not so long ago would have been considered an impossibility are experiencing an influx of eager new recruits. One field that is showing significant growth is the role of bail bonds agent.
Banker,
finance officer, teacher, secretary are the more mainstream, common place jobs individuals pursue when seeking to establish a career path. But today’s economy is fluctuating and employment no longer carries a sense of security, so people are turning to careers that in the past may otherwise never have been deemed a possibility, but now hold an appeal for various reasons.
Criminal justice is experiencing a burgeoning influx of eager new recruits in pursuit of employment opportunities. One role in particular, that of bail bonds agent, has seen a steady stream of applicants for the state license exam. Once considered a position for retired police officers, military personnel or security guards, average men and women are discovering the benefits of working as a licensed bail bonds agent.
-The job is rarely boring: the hours on call are 24/7 because an arrest can occur any time of the day or night. The clientele will span across all demographics: wealthy, poor, higher educated and drop outs. To be successful, an ability to negotiate with all types of people is a must.
-There is an element of danger (excitement): for someone who has spent years behind a desk, as an employee or student, to now be called out into the night to a jail to post bail, deal with police officers, jailers, prosecutors, judges, defense attorneys and criminals can be an adrenalin rush. There is the additional factor of working with, or as, a fugitive recovery agent / bail hunter; the role of apprehending bail jumpers. Developing a rapport and networking with the sheriff, deputies, officers and court employees in the area is vital, as these are the individuals who will assist in building a career as a bondsman.
-Minimal education and time is required to become a licensed bail bonds agent. An individual need only be 18 years old and pass a written examination to receive a state issued bail bondsman license. Possessing knowledge of the court system, how to loan and recover large sums of money, run a background check and a knack for bookkeeping are a definite plus.
-A bail bonds agent has the potential to earn a lucrative salary, should they decide to work independently or as owner of their own bonds agency. An average salary is $50,000 annually, but once a reputation is established that can grow to upwards of $150,000 or more per year.
-There is vast appeal to working as an independent contractor in a field that will always have a steady stream of clients. A location check to ensure there is growth potential in a certain area would be a wise decision before opening shop. Competition in this field can be serious. Find a locale in need of a bail bonds agent prior to investing in a store front.
