How do Bounty Hunters Track You Down?

All around the world, law enforcement and bounty hunters use a variety of methods to track down and apprehend fugitives. Some of the most common techniques include surveillance, public records checks, social media monitoring, tips from the public, technology, and collaboration with law enforcement. Here's a detailed look into the process and methods used by bounty hunters.

Surveillance

Bounty hunters often conduct physical surveillance to monitor a fugitive's movements. This can involve following their home, workplace, or frequent hangout spots. By systematically observing these areas, bounty hunters gather crucial information that can lead them to the fugitive's current location.

Public Records

Bounty hunters can access a wide range of public records, such as property records, court documents, and business registrations, to find information about a fugitive's whereabouts. These documents can reveal important details about the fugitive's past and present life, aiding in the tracking process.

Social Media

Many bounty hunters rely on social media profiles and activity to track fugitives. Fugitives often share information about their location or activities online, providing valuable insight into their movements.

Interviews and Tips

Bounty hunters may interview friends, family, or associates of the fugitive to gather leads. These interviews can yield crucial information and help build a case. Additionally, they rely on tips from the public, who may have valuable information that can lead to the fugitive's capture.

Technology

The use of technology, such as GPS tracking, is a common method for bounty hunters. If they have access to the fugitive's vehicle, they can use GPS to monitor its movements. They may also rely on databases that track license plates or criminal records to gather more information.

Collaboration with Law Enforcement

Bounty hunters often work closely with local law enforcement agencies. These agencies can provide additional resources and information that can aid in the fugitive's capture. Collaboration between these entities is key to a successful tracking and apprehension process.

Background Checks

Conducting thorough background checks can reveal a fugitive’s history, including past addresses, employment, and connections that might lead to their current location. This information is crucial in building a profile of the fugitive and identifying potential hiding spots.

Sustained Efforts: Full-Committed Tracking

Bounty hunters typically start with the fugitive's latest picture and last known location. They then don't stop until the fugitive is captured, often engaging in relentless efforts. Two or more bounty hunters are often involved, and they dedicate themselves to the task until the fugitive is apprehended. Their determination is what sets them apart.

Fugitives Without Resources

When the bail amount is high, such as 75,000.00, friends or family often put up a portion of the bail in cash to a bonding agency. This collateral helps ensure that the individual will appear in court. However, when the suspect flees, the bonding agency takes action. They seize the collateral, such as a home or other real property, to cover their losses.

Bail bondsmen understand that people may run and take precautions to prepare for this possibility. They conduct thorough background checks, interviewing the suspect, their family members, and friends. They are particularly interested in detailed information about the suspect's connections and locations. The family and friends often assist in the search, as they don't want to see their loved one's home or property seized.

The search for a fugitive can be extensive, often involving a network of skip tracers. The bonding agency turns over all gathered information to their skip tracer's network, beginning the hunting process in earnest. The goal is to apprehend the fugitive before the collateral is forfeited.