Massachusetts is the home state of four U.S. presidents, including John and John Quincy Adams, JFK, and George H.W. Bush. It’s the home of the first co-ed educational institution in the nation and the oldest church building in continuous use. Like every other state, however, it has its residents who care nothing for the law, and when these fugitives try to escape justice, bounty hunters track them down. If you’re interested in becoming a bounty hunter in this great state, here’s everything you need to know.
Massachusetts Bounty Hunter Requirements
In Massachusetts, bounty hunters fall under the umbrella of professional bondsmen. There are no specific state laws regulating bounty hunter activities specifically, and it is one of the easier states in which to pursue this career. This is one of eight states that permit the practice of bounty hunting without licensure requirements.
Basic State Requirements
- Education: There are no specific educational requirements, but those who wish to remain competitive in the field pursue educational opportunities to further hone their skills.
- Age: While there are no stated age requirements, bounty hunters should be legal adults.
- Degree: A degree is not necessary, but education in criminal justice can be very helpful.
- Experience: The career of a professional bondsman is very competitive; the more experienced you are, the larger your client base will be.
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Additional Requirements
- Background Screening: There is no background screening or other requirements, other than registering with the Department of Public Safety
Massachusetts Bounty Hunter License
- Registration: Applicants must register with the Department of Public Safety and the Superior Court.
- Licensure: There is no licensing requirement for bounty hunting in this state.
Massachusetts Bounty Hunter Education
Many bounty hunters looking to remain competitive pursue further training in areas like criminal justice, psychology, business, sociology, economics, finance, or law and government.
Major Cities in Massachusetts
There are several large (and well-known) cities in Massachusetts where bounty hunters can be found. These include the state capital of Boston, Salem, Plymouth, Worcester, Waltham, and Lowell.
Discover bounty hunter and criminal justice programs in Massachusetts that are a match for you!
Job Duties of Bounty Hunters in Massachusetts
Bounty hunters seek out and return fugitives who have skipped bail and failed to appear in court on their scheduled date. They work in close proximity with law enforcement and must obey all applicable laws. They cannot enter private residences without permission and are required to request assistance from local law enforcement before pursuing an arrest.
Related Careers
The most similar career to a bounty hunter is the private detective, whose job carries a similar investigative and justice-oriented skill set. Process servers who deal with court documents and notices are also closely-related, as are licensed bail bondsmen.
Employment Numbers in Massachusetts
The BLS doesn’t track numbers for bounty hunters; however, bounty hunting has recently come under scrutiny in Massachusetts, with courts lowering bail numbers to reduce the need for bail bondsmen. Even still, over the next five years, it’s expected that the field will increase by about 3.5%, based on the numbers for private investigators.
Massachusetts Bounty Hunter Salary
On average, again, based on numbers for private investigators, a bounty hunter in Massachusetts can expect to make around $46,000 to $48,000 per year.
Bounty Hunter Programs and Schools in Massachusetts
Bounty Hunter Programs and Schools in Massachusetts
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Choose your area of study and receive free information about programs you are interested in. Private investigators are used by law firms, law enforcement, insurance companies, as well as individuals to conduct investigations to build criminal and civil cases. A degree related to criminal justice could benefit an aspiring private investigator greatly. Request information from multiple schools to find the best program and educational opportunity for you!