Bail Bondsman: We need more oversight

Richard Cloud, a experienced bail bondsman for 27 years told ABC 17 news that, “The industry needs more oversight, we don’t know all the laws.”

A final report of the Missouri Bail Bond Study Committee was completed the beginning of 2010. The bail bonds industry is regulated by the Department of Insurance, from the State.

Within the study it found numerous areas where enhanced state regulation is needed which included, more training and oversight, increased fines for enforcement for violations, and a more specific statutory definition of the bail bond business.

Cloud told ABC 17 News that the only additional privileges a bondsman has compared to the everyday citizen includes extradition and searching anywhere that’s reasonable.

“You have to have a certified copy of the bond, which is the court saying you have the right to apprehend this person. You have to have a valid ID saying who you are, and you have to contact the police letting them know where you are going.”

When ABC 17 News asked whether a bondsman has any additional rights of carrying a firearm, Cloud said no additional rights are given. The same rights are given to a bondsman like a everyday citizen.

ABC 17 News reached out to the Department of Insurance, they advised that the study committee no longer exists since 2010.

Several of the committee members weren’t able to be reached, and several are no longer on the committee.