Did you know that New Jersey has the highest density of population anywhere in the United States, as well as the highest percentage of people (90%) living in urban areas? In fact, every county in the state is also a metro area. With that many people living in close proximity, fugitives from justice often think they can blend in and vanish. That’s why it’s so important to have bounty hunters—men and women who return those on the run to justice. Here’s everything you need to know about becoming a bounty hunter in the Garden State.
New Jersey Bounty Hunter Requirements
In New Jersey, bounty hunters fall under the auspices of the State Police. This means they operate under strict oversight to protect the public interest and ensure the most effective procedures. It requires good moral character, training and licensure.
Basic State Requirements
- Education: A bounty hunter course is required within 90 days of licensure.
- Age: Recovery agents in New Jersey must be at least 25.
- Degree: A degree in a field like law enforcement or criminal justice is extremely helpful, though not required.
- Experience: In New Jersey, fugitive recovery agents must have at least 5 years of experience in law enforcement, as a licensed private investigator, or working for a private detective.
- Citizenship: You must be a permanent legal resident or U.S. citizen.
Additional Requirements
- Background Screening: A background check is necessary to prove that you have no felony convictions or crimes related to controlled substances.
- Lack of Current Law Enforcement Ties: You must have no current affiliations with any law enforcement agency.
New Jersey Bounty Hunter License
- License Application:Your application must include five character references, proof of bounty hunter training, fingerprints and background check consent, and a $300 application fee.
- Licensure: Fugitive recovery agent licenses are good for two years. Renewing carries a fee of $220.25 and a new fingerprint/background check with a $21.44 fee.
New Jersey Bounty Hunter Education
Degrees related to bounty hunters include law enforcement, forensics, criminal justice, sociology, criminal psychology, law and government and anything that can enhance your understanding of the law and law enforcement techniques.
Major Cities in New Jersey
Major cities in New Jersey include Trenton, Hoboken, Atlantic City, Newark and Jersey City. Bounty hunters can be found in almost every city.
Job Duties of a Bounty Hunter in New Jersey
Duties performed by bounty hunters include bringing in fugitives who have skipped bail or recovering anyone on the run from the law in exchange for a posted reward or contracted fee. Many work for bail bonds companies, though some are freelance. They must work closely with state and local police and obey all laws regarding search, seizure, arrest and fugitive apprehension.
Related Careers
Careers that are closely related to bounty hunting include private investigators and court process servers.
Employment Numbers in New Jersey
Employment numbers for bounty hunters aren’t tracked by the federal government. However, those for private investigators are closely related. The field is expected to grow by 11.2% over the next five years.
New Jersey Bounty Hunter Salary
Salary numbers based on those for private detectives show that bounty hunters can expect to make around $63,480 per year on average.
Bounty Hunter Programs and Schools in New Jersey
Bounty Hunter Programs and Schools in New Jersey
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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!