The tribal capital of the Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma was originally Native American Territory, but was opened to settlers in 1889. It’s the home of Garth Brooks, and its state motto translates to “Labor Conquers All Things.” People here believe in dedication and hard work. When fugitives from justice fail to appear in court, bondsmen and bail enforcement agents known as bounty hunters track them down. Learn all you need to pursue this exciting career in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma Bounty Hunter Requirements
In Oklahoma, bounty hunters are known as bail enforcers. They are required to complete specific training and certification before practicing the trade. Working without a license constitutes a felony in the state.
Basic State Requirements
- Education: Bail enforcement agents must undergo specific CLEET training and certification targeted at either unarmed or armed bail enforcer licensure. This requires a high school diploma or GED.
- Age: You have to be at least 21 to get certified.
- Degree: No degree is required but education in criminal justice and law enforcement can be helpful.
- Experience: No experience is required, but bail agents tend to find more success with more experience.
- Citizenship: U.S. citizenship or legal residency is required, as is state residency for 6 months.
Additional Requirements
- Background Screening: Background checks establish that you have no felony convictions, crimes of moral turpitude, pending charges or orders of protection.
- Psychological Evaluation: A psychological evaluation is required to apply for an armed enforcer license.
- Surety Bonding: You must have liability coverage and be bonded for at least $10,000.
Oklahoma Bounty Hunter License
- License Application: Your application form must include two passport-style photos, results of background checks, proof of insurance and training completion, and a $300 application fee ($400 if seeking an armed license).
- Licensure: Your license is valid for three years and must be carried with you at all times.
Oklahoma Bounty Hunter Education
Many bounty hunters seek 2- or 4-year degrees in criminal justice, law enforcement, criminal psychology or similar fields to help enhance their skills.
Major Cities in Oklahoma
Major Oklahoma cities where bounty hunters can often be seen include Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma City, and Norman.
Job Duties of a Bounty Hunter in Oklahoma
Duties performed by Oklahoma bounty hunters include skip tracing, or tracking down bail jumpers who fail to appear in court. They must carry their license at all times and work in close conjunction with local law enforcement and obey all applicable laws and regulations.
Related Careers
Careers that are very closely related to the Oklahoma bounty hunter include private detectives who use similar investigative and fugitive tracking skills, and process servers, who present court summons and other legal documents as well as performing document retrieval and filing.
Employment Numbers in Oklahoma
Employment outlook and figures aren’t tracked for bounty hunters by the BLS. However, those for private detectives form an excellent proxy as the two fields are closely-related. There are expected to be 10.6% more openings in the field by the next half decade.
Oklahoma Bounty Hunter Salary
Salary figures as well are not tracked by the BLS, but again, PIs are. Average salaries in Oklahoma range from $25,910 in Tulsa to $57,760 in Oklahoma City.
Bounty Hunter Programs and Schools in Oklahoma
Bounty Hunter Programs and Schools in Oklahoma
(It’s fast and free!)
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!