It's not that I hate the comments I'm getting, I'm just disturbed. But I get them on a daily basis.
I apologize that I did not word some of my lines so we as not not be taken out of context as they so readily have.
One said the supreme court disagrees with my right to search the adddress on the bench warrant? No it does not, for it has repeatedly supported those in the bail system with these complaints. I do not have any specific case names at present, but I challenge you to find one where the bail bondsman or agent raided the home on the warrant and got put away (excluding the two or three states to don't permit any activity of bail enforcement officers). You brought it up, so the burden of proof is on you. When has the Supreme Court sided against us in such circumstances? I and thousands others conduct such searches regularly. 90% of the time it results in an arrest.
I did not make the call to raid that house nor did I say I such stories were common, but they do happen. In this case, the LE officer told us to because we had legal right and the person refused to speak with the law enforcement officer after he commanded the homeowner to come to the door or "at least tell me who I am speaking with." A few "**** you"s to the police officer and he varified our warrant and told us to make entry. I didn't want to and would not have just because I always play it safer than sorry, but I was told by the cop to make entry, I did, and it was PROVEN legal. Don't like it? Write a congressman.
It was said that anyone thats not an LE in someones home can be shot. Simply not true. I know of recovery agents that have lost their lives because they raided the correct house and were killed, and the person that show them got put away with 2nd degree, I believe it was. True stories.
I cannot agree more that my profession should be more restrictive on who works in it. The way "search warrants" are legally set up, law enforcement cannot have the latitude we do in finding someone. That is why LE officers cannot become bail agents. There is a legal distinction between us and LE officers, and we can do more than a cop in finding our guy, but we are limited to only our guy. We simply have more rights than the police when it comes to finding someone. End of story. Don't believe me? Call your bondsman. We have far more rights than police in finding someone, but they are only restricted to that individual. But this power does attract abusive people which gives me a bad name. I have a clean record, my heart is in it, and I would gladly subject myself to any battery of tests, reviews, education, or certifications that might prove necessary. The more training I receive the more efficient I am, and I do not disagree with any comments on that.
While on that subject, we do not legally have to respect the persons rights, at least not as compared to police. Police are community servants. We are not. And when the person signs the bond, they essentially sign away many rights and become the bondsman's or assigned agent's property. Many take full advantage of this. However, the smart ones in our business are careful because there's a line between what we can do and simple "good business." If I bash in a guy's face I wouldn't expect to get employed by that bondsman again. Nor, if I were the bondsman, would I hire such individuals. But the stuff we can legally do is nauseating by man. As I said before, I have yet to seriously injure anyone and I hope I never have to.
And thank you, the dinner guest scenario happens more than you think. Your cousin stops over for a beer and guys are kicking in your door. You may have no idea, but you are in trouble if their warrant is for your cousin and whether you knew it or not, if they offered warning (knocked) or are wearing identification, you cannot kill them. Well, the law of physics says you can kill them but the law of man says you can't unless you wanna be showering with undesirables in State. You must identify your target before you take a life. If its in all black, toting a gun, and doesn't identify itself-- warn it and shoot away. Otherwise, you might be accidentally buying yourself a minimum of manslaughter charges.
Many on here seem to be quoting what they heard or what they think the consitution would mean. I have yet to year a lawyer, bondsman, recovery agent, LE officer that is familiar with the bail system in their state, judge, or anyone with appropriate knowledge make such comments. Please research before you embarass yourself. I apologize now for any mistakes I have said or will say, for I am only going by my experience in the states I have worked in. But feel free to call a bondsman in your state and ask what they are capable of.
We have legal right in most states to make entry if our skip is in your house. Whether you know it or not (which is why we usually give yout he privelege of knocking on the door, first). Don't believe me? Call a bondsman and see if he doesn't agree. Note: This only applies in MOST states. Don't like it? Write a congressman. But when someone, god forbid, hurts your or someone you love and gets released on bond and skips (which is as easy as not showing up to court), you'll be grateful that guys like me risk our lives to bring them back into the system so they aren't free to do it again.
There is a show on Discovery channel that just started called "Fugitive Strike Force", I do believe, and it showcases ride-alongs with Las Vegas SWAT, US Marshalls, and Bounty Hunters. Check it out. You might learn a thing or two.
And please, anyone with real experience-- and not the "nuh-uh, you are wrong because I said and/or that just can't be right" --please correct me on any mistakes I have said. I am here to learn, too.
TRL
Well the Supreme Court of the United States disagrees with you.
