One Message, Thousands of Voices

• February 20, 2009
• by Collateral Staff

Why Every Bail Bond Agent Should be an Association Member

When Linda Braswell started working in the bail industry, more than 35 years ago, she became the youngest female bail agent ever licensed in the state of Florida. At that time there were very few women in the profession, and the industry's image was what she described as "much seedier." Braswell knew she wanted to make a difference, and that knowledge would be the key.

"I wanted to know all I could," said Braswell. "Local, state and national associations are about information and networking. Information is power and the key to change. The changes I have seen have been unbelievable."

Throughout the last few decades, she has seen the bail bond industry take on a more professional image, technology change the way business is conducted, and an increase of women in the bail profession, which has grown to be more than 50 percent. Today, Braswell is the president of the Professional Bail Agents of the United States, and has seen how important associations are in the bail profession.

"Associations are the best thing for the bail profession," said Braswell. "Whether you are a postal employee or a doctor it makes common sense to put your message out on a united front."

Association membership offers bail bondsmen the unique opportunity to make a difference and change the image of the industry. While there are a whole host of compelling reasons why people become members of bail bond associations, there are three very basic, but very important reasons to join. First, joining an association affords members many educational and training opportunities that they otherwise may not have access to. Second, bail bond associations work with the legislatures on issues that affect the bail industry, to guarantee that its voice is heard. Finally, membership in local, state and national associations offer members many networking opportunities.

Education
Educational opportunities are among some of the most valuable benefits related to association membership. Scott Hall, president of the Georgia Association of Professional Bondsmen, has been a bail bond agent for the past 15 years, and says he originally joined the GAPB to gain knowledge.

"I am a big believer that the best members of any industry are actively involved in their associations," said Hall. "I wanted to meet and learn from the best in the industry."

As President of the GAPB, Hall helps to coordinate and approve the continuing education. In Georgia, the GAPB approves the providers of continuing education and the content. Bail bond agents and recovery agents have a required eight hours of education a year, which generally includes education on law and changes to the law.

"The reason we require it every year is because we felt that if the individuals here were exposed to the law, and the changes to the law, they were much less likely to make mistakes that would affect the industry or affect their ability to be in the industry," said Hall. "In our industry you have the right to lay your hands on people. That can be dangerous not only for our members, but dangerous to the accused. What we are trying to do is make sure they understand the law so if they make the mistake it's a true mistake and not a mistake of ignorance."

The GAPB has been fighting battles against bad legislation that was created because bondsmen have made mistakes that could have been prevented if they had known the law. The association is trying to combat new legislation efforts proactively through education.

"Across the nation we are getting inconsistent rulings in a number of the courtrooms on bail-related issues because neither the bondsman nor the judge know what to base their decision on. By arming our members they are better prepared to argue their points," said Hall. "From a judicial perspective it is better to educate the members on current practices rather than everyone having to throw a dart at the dart board."

Hall reports that since the law for continuing education was passed there have been far fewer legal incidents. "No one feels like they feel like they should be required to do anything," said Hall. "The problem comes from the people who are uninformed and their singular mistake has a rippling effect. It's not surprising that some individuals oppose education because they tend to be informed. However, it (their resistance) is short-sided because the regulation affects them. It will come from one of their competitors who don't know they should be doing something."

Legislation
Most associations work closely with elected officials to help them recognize the significance and worth of bail agents in the criminal justice system. Laws can only be introduced by a legislator, which is why it is so important to work closely with the legislators who control laws relating to the bail industry. When state-funded programs, such as pretrial release or state-run bail programs, are introduced it is important to have representation. Bail associations ensure that bail bond agents have a place in the criminal justice system

According to Al Estes, president of the Florida Surety Agents Association, being a part of the legislative processes is essential. In the last legislative session the FSAA helped get a bill called The Citizens' Right-to-Know Act passed. The act relates to the state's pretrial release program and requires each pre-trial release program to prepare a register displaying information relevant to the defendants released through such a program. It also requires that a copy of the register be located at the office of the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the program is located and readily accessible to the public.

"You always have to be involved in what is detrimental to your business," said Estes. "When you are dealing with the government and the legislature you cannot go in as one individual you must work as an association to have one voice."

Through the FSAA Estes plays an active role in monitoring everything that affects the bail bond industry in the state. In 2007, a company that accepts credit cards was allowed to advertise its service inside of the holding facility, despite the fact that bail agents could not advertise there. The company was essentially performing the role of the bail bondsman, but was not required to have a license or continuing education. Estes said that an insurance agency is appealing the issue with the company, but it was bound to hurt bail businesses.

Dudley Goolsby, president of the Oklahoma Bondsman Association and past president of the Professional Bail Agents of the United States, also recognizes the important role that bail bond associations play in the legislative process.

"We've had members from different districts come to us, and we have gone to bat for them either in court or legislature," said Goolsby. "We can only do it when it affects us all, but you have to be able to get together as an association and push back. They're not evil (the legislature), but if nobody's pushing back they don't know what they're doing is not exactly correct."

Networking
When many people hear the word "networking" and it conjures up images of people in stuffy suits with slicked-back hair making idle small talk while carefully waiting for an opportunity to assert their own agenda. Networking today is quite different, and much simpler than many people imagine. At its basic root, networking is simply building relationships. Having strong relationships within your profession is valuable in any line of work, but especially to bail bond agents.

According to Braswell, having a trusted network is powerful because "knowledge is power." Braswell has spent more than 35 years in the profession and she shares this example of utilizing a network:

Pretend that you work in Florida and meet a bail bondsman from California during an industry conference. You share stories, and compare how your businesses are different, but your work may feel worlds apart living on different coasts. One day, you find out that you have a skip in San Francisco, but know nothing about the laws in California. Having this trusted resource allows you to contact him or her with questions - saving you time and money. Questions you may want to ask include: Can you tell me what I should be looking for if I come out there? How will the law enforcement be? What are the laws there? What should I bring with me? Depending on the state's laws, you may even be able to save yourself a trip across the country by reaching out to your colleague.

Building relationships through association work can bring you a unique perspective on the profession, and provide you with many long-term benefits. Networking is not one-sided, and you get out of it what you put into it. Show up for meetings - they affect you and your business. Join committees and build relationships based on trust by working together. (This also gives you a chance to show off your talents, and stay visible in the organization.) When meeting other bondsmen through association work be prepared to share. They too will be coming to you for assistance. The rewards may not be immediate, but they will be valuable and enduring.

Goolsby has been a member of PBUS since 1990. According to Goolsby, the national association offers bail bondsmen from across the country the opportunity to share ideas.

"I've never failed to learn something that I can bring back to Oklahoma, and put in to practical use," said Goolsby. "The most important thing is the exchange of ideas."

Who Doesn't Join?
Despite the education, networking and legislative reasons to join associations, there are still many states where associations struggle for membership. According to an AboutBail.com Yahoo! Group poll, only 35 percent of those surveyed said that they belong to their state associations. Associations hear reasoning such as potential members not seeing a financial benefit, the cost being too high or people not wanting to work with their competition. According to Braswell, this apathetic view point does not advance the profession.

"It's less than 33 cents a day to be a part of something that sends a positive message across the country for your profession," said Braswell. "If you cannot help your profession, then shame on you. Put aside your differences to come together - you can go back home and fight - but come together in the association setting to do what is best for the profession."

According to Al Estes everyone should want to become a member, but sometimes people don't want to get involved. He said the FSAA sends mailings to let people know what they are doing and get their opinions on it, but membership is something they always work on.

Creating Your Own Association
If you are a bail bond agent, in a state without an association, but are interested in starting one, contact the Professional Bail Agents of the United States. PBUS offers a free guide that includes sample bylaws and information on starting a not-for-profit.