Basic course of training required for bail enforcement agents; temporary license.
1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, an applicant for a license as a bail enforcement agent must satisfactorily complete a basic course of training for bail enforcement agents that is approved by the Commissioner.
2. The basic course of training must consist of at least 80 hours of training which includes instruction in:
(a) The following areas of the law:
(1) Constitutional law;
(2) Procedures for arresting defendants and surrendering defendants into custody;
(3) Civil liability;
(4) The civil rights of persons who are detained in custody;
(5) The use of force; and
(6) The history and principles of bail;
(b) Procedures for field operations, including, without limitation:
(1) Safety and survival techniques;
(2) Searching buildings;
(3) Handling persons who are mentally ill or under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance; and
(4) The care and custody of prisoners;
(c) The skills required of bail enforcement agents, including, without limitation:
(1) Writing reports, completing forms and procedures for exoneration;
(2) Methods of arrest;
(3) Nonlethal weapons;
(4) The retention of weapons;
(5) Qualifications for the use of firearms; and
(6) Defensive tactics;
(d) Principles of investigation, including, without limitation:
(1) The basic principles of locating defendants who have not complied with the terms and conditions established by a court for their release from custody or the terms and conditions of a contract entered into with a surety; and
(2) Ethics; and
(e) The following subjects:
(1) Demeanor in a courtroom;
(2) First aid used in emergencies; and
(3) Cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Ê An applicant may complete the 80 hours of training required by this subsection by completing 16 hours of training each weekend for 5 weeks.
3. In lieu of completing the basic course of training required by subsection 1, an applicant may submit proof to the Commissioner that he has completed a course of training required by a municipal, state or federal law enforcement agency or a branch of the Armed Forces to carry out the duties of a peace officer.
4. An applicant for a license as a bail enforcement agent must complete the training required by this section within 9 months after the date he is employed by a bail agent as a bail enforcement agent. The Commissioner shall issue a temporary license to an applicant who has not completed the training if he is otherwise qualified to be issued a license as a bail enforcement agent. The temporary license:
(a) Authorizes the person to whom it is issued to act as a bail enforcement agent while employed by a licensed bail agent.
(b) Is valid for 9 months or until the person to whom it is issued completes the training required by this section, whichever occurs first.
(c) May not be renewed.
Last modified: February 27, 2006