How not to serve a warrant

[TX-Dennis]

I've often wondered how some bounty hunters don't get shot. Some of them (at least online and tv) look like criminals themselves and don't present professionalism. I also don't know what they can and can't do legally. That could be a huge problem for them. I'm sure I'm not the only one who doesn't understand. Do they have peace officer status ?

My son, during his middle teens, was watching a number of youtube "bounty hunters" videos. He went through a period of wanting to become one. I'm certainly glad that idea left him as he grew up.

 

[biku324]

I was speaking for NM - sorry!

 

[TX-Dennis]

Here in Texas, bounty hunters must be certified Texas peace officers. The extent of authority afforded to a bounty hunter varies widely by state.

That's not completely accurate. They may also be licensed private investigators or commissioned security officers. They are not considered law enforcement officers and are mostly employed by bail bond companies.

 

[biku324]

That's not completely accurate. They may also be licensed private investigators or commissioned security officers. They are not considered law enforcement officers and are mostly employed by bail bond companies.

Thank you.

 

[Doug M.]

My old agency always used uniformed personnel and fully marked squad cars for the initial contact. Lights and use of the PA by people who are obviously cops make for much less trouble.

The failure to do adequate pre-raid verification is somewhere between stupid and shameful.

 

[Walkin Horse]

Knock knock
Who is it?
Police we need to talk to you
How many of you is there?
3
Why don't you talk to each other then

 

[DWalt]

That's not completely accurate. They may also be licensed private investigators or commissioned security officers. They are not considered law enforcement officers and are mostly employed by bail bond companies.

Another consideration is that bounty hunters do not have qualified immunity as a cop would have in performing his official duties. Which means that if they screw up an apprehension of a bail jumper in some way, they can be held personally legally liable.

 

[biku324]

Another consideration is that bounty hunters do not have qualified immunity as a cop would have in performing his official duties. Which means that if they screw up an apprehension of a bail jumper in some way, they can be held personally legally liable.

Criminally accountable for false arrest, false imprisonment, and battery. Ask me how I know.