Bail Associations
Bail associations are nonprofit organizations run by bail agents to improve
the industry, promote a positive image and lobby for legislation on behalf
of bail agents. Membership in a bail association is voluntary but highly
recommended.
Unlike the bar association for attorneys, the bail association has no
control over a bail agent¹s training or testing, though the associations
participate in the process. The DOI publishes, administers and grades the
exams, but often the state¹s bail association offers pre-licensing courses
and supplies candidates with the materials to pass the bail test.
The industry¹s national association,
Professional Bail Agents of the United
States (http://www.pbus.com), founded in 1981, promotes the professional
growth of bail agents. It hosts two annual conventions and works to provide
networking opportunities and improve educational standards. It also lobbies
on behalf of bail agents in support of legislation related to the bail bond
industry. It has over 14,000
members nationwide.
Although most associations are organized at the state level, some agents
form local or county associations that help in establishing relationships
with local law enforcement agencies and judges. Improved relationships help
create better communication channels. If a problem arises with bail agents
illegally distributing business cards on government property, for example,
the law enforcement liaison to the bail association can pass the concerns
along, so that the bail association can warn its members and educate them on
proper marketing techniques. Or if a jail needs to establish a more
efficient policy for processing defendants being released on bail and
thereby alleviate overcrowding, the bail association can provide input and
then inform its members of any new procedures implemented at the jail.
Programs sponsored by bail associations can improve a bail agent¹s knowledge
and efficiency. For example, bail associations frequently invite high-level
members of local law enforcement agencies or court representatives to speak
at meetings. This allows bail agents to have their questions addressed and
to learn more about the inner workings of the criminal justice system. In
summary, bail agent associations are critical to maintaining a unity between
licensed agents and other key players in the bail industry.
