TENNESSEE LAW: Bounty Hunter

[Anthony Bridgestone]

[b]A bounty hunter cannot have criminal record, must notify local police of defendant's location, and present to the police a copy of the warrant, a copy of the bond, and evidence that bounty hunter has been hired by bond agent. Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-11-3.

[Joe Stiles]

You have done an excellent job in posting various state recovery laws. I believe the correct cite for Tenn. is Tennessee Code Annotated 40-11-318. I only add this in case someone is trying to look up the hard copy. Your description of the law, however, is correct.

[admin]

Originally posted by Joe Stiles
Any person attempting to effect an arrest of a bail skip in Tennessee should be aware that there are two separate statutes governing bail arrest in Tennessee. TCA 40-11-133 governs the right of an in state bondsman when making an arrest of a bailee on bond with their company, while TCA 40-11-318 governs the arrest of a bailee by bondsmen from out of state or independent bail enforcement agents. Two bail agents from Knoxville were arrested two nights ago when they attempted to arrest a skip for a Georgia bailbonds company. They mistakenly relied on the wrong statute and were subsequently charged with several serious offenses. Although Tennessee is a commercial bail state and recoveries can be done here, there are several jurisdictions within the state that are hostile to bail enforcement agents. When attempting an arrest in this state, please notify us and we will be happy to provide you any information we have concerning the jurisdiction in which you think you will be working.

[Marcus Smith]

What would be the steps in order to get a bounty hunter license in TN. How long does it take? any reply would be great im a newbie on the Forum? Thanks

[Marcus Smith]

Thanks for answering my questions it sounds like it could be risky if you get false infomation, before making an arrest. Thank You for you help I now have some infomation to help me make a decision about becoming a bounty hunter.

[Frank Rose]

No license is needed in Tennessee. Having been in this business somewhat since the early 80's, it has been a pleasure for me...

If you have many questions pertaining to what I call a Fugitive Recovery Agent (aka Bounty Hunter), then check with some of your Bail Bond Agencies in your area for more detailed information...

[Shannon Marble]

In TN the police told me that when you find your skip to call them to go with you for your safety as well as correctly doing it.

[Mack Williams]

The statement that no "license" is required is not exactly true. You must attend an eight training session and obtain a certificate of training to be legal in Tennessee. Refer to TCA 40-11-401 for the "Continuing Education Required" statute text. The sessions are given by the Tennessee Association of Professional Bail Agents and cannot exceed $240 in cost. You can download a registration form at their site and mark the box for Bail Enforcement Officer, plus you need to have a current background check which you must present at the time you register for the class.

[Chris Hunter]

ok ive got a few questions about the lisence issue i just finnished a course from compass point investigations . Is that an adaquite course do i need to take another class . Also i have herd that you need a lisence in tennessee ,and also that you dont , If you do need one wher do i apply at any help would be gratefull

[Joshua Morrow -]

I just wanted to say thank you for posting this. It has been a great help in answering alot of questions. I am new to the Tennessee area and have found alot of answers here.

[Richy Silver]

Are Bail Enforcement Agents allowed to carry firearms while on a recovery mission in the state, but as long as they are lisenced?

[John Sanderson]

Richy,

I have replied you your question in the NY BEA Licensing thread. Are you planning to move to Tennessee? If you're not, you won't find answers to your questions here, which are accurate for New York. The laws from state to state vary greatly. Something that is legal in TN may not be in NY. Actually, I believe NY has more regulations then most other states (based upon personal research).

Example: In Colorado, you do not need a license to operate in any area of investigations including Bail Enforcement and Security. In Maryland, you do not need a license as a Bail Enforcement Agent but you do need to be licensed to operate as a PI or Security Guard. Some states allow someone to obtain an all inclusive license whereas other states require you to obtain all individually.

I hope this helps.

[Richy Silver]

Sorry John. I'm just really exploring some states before becoming an Agent, thats all. I'm mainly VERY interested in being a Bail Fugitive Recovery Agent in California, but I thought reaching other states wouldn't hurt. Can't put my all my eggs in one basket, right? So yeah, in case if you were wondering.

[John Sanderson]

Richy,

There's no need to apologize. I'll post another message in your intro (http://www.ipiu.org/forums/showthread.php?34874-Richy-Silver&p=497678&highlight=#post497678) which may be helpful.

[Richy Silver]

Oh by the way, the reason why I asked this question:


Are Bail Enforcement Agents allowed to carry firearms while on a recovery mission but as long as they are lisenced?

is because of this TN law right here Tenn. Code Ann. §39-17-1315.

But to find out that it means that I need a CCW Permit AND HAVE to be lisenced.

[John Sanderson]

Could you copy and paste it here for me (the entire text)? I don't regularly locate laws for states I don't do business in, though I would be happy to look it over and interpret it for you, if you like.