Article 1. Training Requirements
6VAC20-250-130. Entry-level training.
A. Each bail bondsman as defined by § 9.1-185 of the Code of Virginia, must meet the compulsory minimum training standards herein established, unless provided for otherwise in accordance with this regulation.
B. Training must be completed at a private security services training school certified or licensed by the department.
C. Training will be credited only if application for licensure is submitted to the department within 12 months of completion of training.
D. Hour requirement. The compulsory minimum entry-level training hour requirement by category, excluding examinations, practical exercises and range qualification, shall be:
1. Bail bondsman core training - 40 hours
2. Firearms training - 14 hours
E. Course content. The compulsory minimum entry-level training course content by category, excluding examinations, mandated practical exercises and range qualification, shall be as provided in this subsection.
Core subjects. The entry-level curriculum set forth the following areas identified as:
I. Orientation - two hours.
A. Ethical standards
1. Professionalism
2. Misrepresentation
3. Conflicts of interest
4. Information protection, confidentiality, and discretion requirements
B. Brief introduction to Code of Virginia and regulations relating to bail bondsman
II. Law - 12 hours plus one practical exercise.
A. Code of Virginia and regulations relating to bail bondsman
1. Definitions
2. Licensing procedures and requirements
3. Compulsory minimum training standards
4. Standards of practice and prohibited acts
5. Administrative requirements/standards of conduct
6. Administrative reviews, complaints, procedures, and responsibilities
B. Basic law
1. Legal terminology and definitions
2. Purpose and function of law
3. U.S. Constitution
a. Amendments
b. Bill of Rights
4. Landmark cases
5. Limitations and liability
C. Surety and property law
1. Surety bail bondsman
a. Insurance companies
b. Agent vs. attorney-in-fact
c. Virginia qualification requirements
2. Property bail bondsman
a. Virginia property requirements
b. Agent requirements
D. Courts
1. Civil court system
a. Federal
b. State
c. Local jurisdiction
d. Definitions
e. Civil judicial procedures
2. Criminal court system
a. State and federal
b. Legal authority and related issues
c. Liability concerns
d. Definitions/interpretations
e. Magistrates
E. Release from legal obligation
1. When defendant answers charge
2. Circulate the bail piece release
3. Special considerations
a. The recognizance
b. Preliminary hearing
c. Bond continuation pending pre-sentence report
d. Sentencing
e. Withhold findings
f. Bond reinstatement
III. Fugitive recovery - 24 hours plus one practical exercise.
A. Legal procedures
1. Bondsman's legal right to recover
2. Notice of show cause hearing
3. Entry of finding of default
4. Payment of forfeiture
5. Recovery: 24 months from entry of finding of default
6. Section 9.1-185.15 of the Code of Virginia, recovery of bailees
B. Criminal statutes
1. Liability considerations/liability insurance
2. Case law
3. Law enforcement
a. State
b. Federal
4. Reasonable force to effect apprehension
C. Use of recovery agents in Virginia
1. Virginia legal requirements
2. Recovery agents authority
3. Employee vs. independent contractor
4. Liability considerations/liability insurance
D. Investigative techniques
1. Surveillance
2. Court research
3. Law-enforcement coordination
4. Interviewing
5. Impersonation and misrepresentation
6. Reference materials and resource list
7. Skip-tracing techniques
8. Fugitive identification
E. Recovery procedures
1. Pursuit
a. Foot
b. Vehicular
c. Other
2. Entry and search
3. Perimeter/interior room control
F. Agent survival
1. Confrontation management
2. Use of force
3. Deadly force
4. Escalation of force
5. Emergency procedures
G. Apprehension of a fugitive
1. Compliant versus noncompliant procedures
2. Search of person
a. Personal items
b. Seizure of contraband
3. Handcuffing techniques
4. Rights of the accused
5. Detainment and transportation
6. Interstate transport
7. False arrest
IV. Responsibilities of bondsman and remanding to custody two hours plus one practical exercise.
A. Recovery in Virginia
B. Recovery out of Virginia; Uniform Extradition Act
C. International recovery
D. Legal detainment facilities
E. Entering the jail or sally port
F. Signing the bail piece/return to court
G. Hospital procedures for injuries
V. Documentation - two hours plus one practical exercise.
A. Required by the courts
B. Required by DCJS
C. Recordkeeping
D. Reporting
E. Retaining records
VI. Written examination
Total hours (excluding exam) - 40 hours
Statutory Authority
§ 9.1-185.2 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 23, eff. August 20, 2008.
6VAC20-250-140. In-service training.
A. Each person licensed with the department as a bail bondsman shall complete the compulsory in-service training standards within the last 12 months preceding the expiration date of licensure. If in-service training is not completed by the expiration date of licensure, entry-level training will be required pursuant to initial licensure requirements pursuant to 6VAC20-250-40.
B. Course content. The compulsory minimum in-service training course content by category, excluding examinations, practical exercises and range qualification, shall be as follows:
Bail Bondsman core subjects:
1. Legal authority - 2 hours
2. Job-related training - 6 hours
Total hours - 8 hours
Statutory Authority
§ 9.1-185.2 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 23, eff. August 20, 2008.
6VAC20-250-150. In-service alternative training credit.
Persons who have completed training that meets or exceeds the compulsory minimum training standards promulgated by the board for in-service training required for the individual's particular category may be authorized credit for such training, provided the training has been completed within 12 months of the expiration date of the licensure period during which in-service training is required. Such training must be provided by a third-party organization offering services or expertise for the particular training category. Official documentation of the following must accompany the application for in-service alternative training credit:
1. Information regarding the sponsoring organization, including documentation regarding the instructor for each session;
2. An outline of the training session material, including the dates, times and specific subject matter;
3. Proof of attendance and successful completion; and
4. The applicable, nonrefundable application fee.
Statutory Authority
§ 9.1-185.2 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 23, eff. August 20, 2008.
6VAC20-250-160. Training extension.
A. An extension of the time period to meet in-service training requirements may be approved only under specific circumstances, which do not allow bail bondsmen to complete the required procedures within the prescribed time period. The following are the only circumstances for which extensions may be granted:
1. Extended illness;
2. Extended injury; and
3. Military or foreign service.
B. A request for extension shall:
1. Be submitted in writing, dated and signed by the licensee prior to the expiration date of the time limit required for completion of the requirements;
2. Indicate the projected date that the person will be able to comply with the requirements; and
3. Include a copy of the physician's record of the injury or illness or a copy of the government orders.
C. No extension will be approved for licenses that have expired.
D. Applications for additional extensions may be approved upon written request of the licensee.
E. Approved extensions may only be granted for a period not to exceed 12 months.
Statutory Authority
§ 9.1-185.2 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 23, eff. August 20, 2008.