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Delaware State Police


Bail Enforcement Agents



“Bail Enforcement Agent” shall mean any person or cooperative of persons, resident or nonresident, whose services or actions are performed for the purpose of capturing a fugitive, and including, but not limited to, any person who engages in the apprehension and return of persons who are released on bail and who have failed to appear at any stage of the proceedings to answer the charge before any state or federal court.

NOT Bail Bondsmen (Please contact the Department of Insurance for licensure)

What is the process to obtain a BAIL ENFORCEMENT AGENT Identification Card – NEW in Delaware? – Please note this process has been updated and changed!

STEP #1 – Training

Individuals shall successfully complete a mandatory Bail Enforcement training program. This training program must be completed at a state approved training facility which is Delaware Technical & Community College (DTCC).  Use the link below or contact Workforce Development at 302-454-3956.

IMPORTANT – DO NOT Register for Bail Enforcement Continuing Education – only Register for the NEW Bail Enforcement Training

IMPORTANT – Obtain a copy of your Training Certificate as it will be needed when applying.

https://us-elevate.elluciancloud.com/app/dtcc


STEP #2 – Fingerprints/Photo ID – Background

Individuals must schedule a fingerprint/Photo ID appointment with IdentoGO – using the link below, then present themselves in-person at the appointment location selected. Once fingerprints are obtained IdentoGO will then forward all relevant background information to Delaware State Police/Professional Licensing for review.

https://uenroll.identogo.com/
Use Service Code 27RX14


STEP #3 – Email Application documents to Professional Licensing

Once the IdentoGO appointment is completed, individuals must email the information outlined below to Delaware State Police/Professional Licensing using this email address provided –

dsp_plapplicant@delaware.gov

Individuals applying for as a BAIL ENFORCEMENT AGENT must include:

  • Bail Enforcement Application
  • Initial/New Bail Enforcement Agent Training Certificate

When emailing please use the following subject line:  last name, first name-BEA NEW Application (for example – smith, john-BEA NEW Application)

Bail Enforcement Agent Application

 

If you are initially applying for a BAIL ENFORCEMENT AGENT/Firearms Card (RED CARD) you may also do this at the same time provided you have satisfied all training and Firearms qualifications as explained below.

Individuals initially applying for an Armed/Firearms Card must include:

  • Firearms Certification Form – provided by Firearms Instructor

STEP #4 – Approval / Denial

When Professional Licensing has received IdentoGO results and processed all information requested in Step #4 the application will be approved or denied.

If approved:

  • Individuals will be contacted by Professional Licensing for instructions on obtaining a BEA Badge and BEA Certificate. There is an additional $75.00 fee accessed for this service.

If denied:

  • The individual will receive written notification of their denial via mail.

 

Applications are processed once all required information has been received and processed by Professional Licensing. The individual may be requested to provide additional information including court documents, adjudication documents, and other details related to their background investigation. Such requests will cause a delay in the normal approval process.

BEA Identification Cards (licenses), new or renewed, are valid for four (4) years.

*If you are submitting an Initial/NEW Application for BOTH an Unarmed ID Card AND an ARMED (Red) ID Card at the same time please follow the directions below:

Firearms/Red Card applicants must complete a 40-hour Firearms Course with an approved instructor certified by Professional Licensing only. See the link below.

Professional Licensing Approved Firearms Instructors

As part of the 40-hour Firearms Course individual will be required to complete a Day Light and Low Light Shoot Certification.  Submission of these first two (2) Shoots and an Approved Background while allow the individual to obtain a Firearms Red Card which will be valid until the end of that calendar year. This Certification Form must be included with the application and the applicant must indicate this request on the application Form.

For the Card to remain valid through the next calendar year, the individual must provide one additional Day Light Shoot – which is their 3rd Shoot by December 31st. The 3rd Shoot MUST be separated by ninety (90) calendar days.

Once an individual has obtained a Firearms Training Certification and completed their first two (2) Shoots they are ready to apply for Both their Unarmed (Yellow) Card and Armed (Red) Card and should proceed as outlined above.

New Firearms applications can be submitted as part of a New Application for Unarmed Security, Unarmed Armored Car Guard & Bail Enforcement Agent for the same fee. Firearms applications submitted as an UPGRADE at a later date will be accessed an additional fee.

Individuals who currently hold one of these specific Identification Cards/Licenses outline below may apply for a FIREARMS UPGRADE (Red Card) provided you have satisfied all training and Firearms qualifications (consult the requirements outlined below).

  • Unarmed Security Guard / Yellow Card
  • Unarmed Armored Car Guard / Yellow Card
  • Bail Enforcement Agent

What is the process to obtain a FIREARMS Upgrade – DO NOT use this process for FIREARMS RENEWAL – see FIREARMS ANNUAL RENEWAL

STEP #1

Firearms/Red Card applicants must complete a 40-hour Firearms Course with an approved instructor certified by Professional Licensing only. See the link below.

Professional Licensing Approved Firearms Instructors

As part of the 40-hour Firearms Course individual will be required to complete a Day Light and Low Light Shoot Certification.  Submission of these first two (2) Shoots and an Approved Background while allow the individual to obtain a Firearms Red Card which will be valid until the end of that calendar year. For the Card to remain valid through the next calendar year, the individual must provide one additional Day Light Shoot – which is their 3rd Shoot by December 31st. The 3rd Shoot MUST be separated by ninety (90) calendar days.


STEP #2 – Fingerprints/Photo ID – Background

Individuals must schedule a fingerprint/Photo ID appointment with IdentoGO – using the link below, then present themselves in-person at the appointment location selected. Once fingerprints are obtained IdentoGO will then forward all relevant background information to Delaware State Police/Professional Licensing for review.

https://uenroll.identogo.com/
Use Service Code 27S499


STEP #3 – Email Application documents to Professional Licensing

Once the IdentoGO appointment is completed, individuals must email the information outlined below to Delaware State Police/Professional Licensing using email address provided below:

dsp_plapplicant@delaware.gov

Individuals initially applying for an Armed/Firearms Card must include:

  • Firearms Certification Form – please follow all Firearms/Red Card directions including Initial Training and Shoot Certifications
  • Firearms Upgrade Application

Firearms UPGRADE Application

When emailing please use the following subject line:  last name, first name-FIREARMS UPGRADE Application (for example – smith, john-FIREARM UPGRADE Application)


STEP #4 – Approval / Denial

When Professional Licensing has received IdentoGO results and processed all information requested in Step #4 the application will be approved or denied.

If approved:

  • Your ID card will be mailed to the address provided. Delivery times are based the efficiency of the US Postal Service.

If denied:

  • The individual will receive written notification of their denial via mail.

Applications are processed once all required information has been received and processed by Professional Licensing. The individual may be requested to provide additional information including court documents, adjudication documents, and other details related to their background investigation. Such requests will cause a delay in the normal approval process.

Firearms/Armed-Red Cards are valid for the specific date provided on the ID Card. Annual Re-certifications are mandatory and responsibly of the ID card holder to maintain and submit updates. Professional Licensing does not submit reminders for qualification dates. Failure to submit recertifications when required will necessitate ID Cards/Licenses to be suspended.

Individuals who currently hold one of these specific Identification Cards/Licenses (Red Card) outlined below are required to submit a FIREARMS ANNUAL RENEWAL. This process does not apply to New or Upgrade Firearms Applications

  • Armed Security Guard / Red Card
  • Armed Armored Car Guard / Red Card
  • Bail Enforcement Agent Firearms / Red Card

Step #1 – Complete and a Low Light (Shoot #1) & Day Light Shoot (Shoot #2) Certification through an approved instructor certified by Professional Licensing only. See the link below.

Please note – Shoot #1 & #2 must be submitted by September 27th as the mandatory 90 shoot separation will not be possible before the end of the year.

Professional Licensing Approved Firearms Instructors


Step #2 – Submit the Firearms Certification Form (provided to you by your Certified Instructor) for the Low Light (#1) & Day Light Shoot (#2) to DSP/Professional Licensing – Use this email address to dsp-prolicense@delaware.gov


Step #3 – Complete one additional Day Light Shoot (Shoot #3) Certification through an approved instructor certified by Professional Licensing AFTER ninety (90) days from the date Shoot #1 & Shoot #2 were completed. Please note – Shoot #3 must be received at Professional Licensing by December 31st for the ID to be valid into the following year.


Step #4 – Submit the Firearms Certification Form (provided by your Certified Instructor) for the Day Light Shoot (Shoot #3) to DSP/Professional Licensing – Use this email address to dsp-prolicense@delaware.gov

  • Bail Enforcement Agents (BEA) who are re-applying for their Identification Card/License will repeat Step #2 through #4 outlined under Bail Enforcement Agent – NEW.
  • Initial Training will not be necessary for Renewals however, the renewing BEA must be current on their Annual In-Service Training from the prior year. BEA who are suspended for failure to complete Annual In-Service Training will not be renewed.
  • Prior BEA who were Revoked due to Failure to Train are not eligible for Renewal. The prior BEA must complete the Bail Enforcement – NEW process from the beginning.
  • Renewing BEA will not be charged the original badge fee.
  • BEA who were licensed prior to September 2023 must return their previously issued silver color Delaware Bail Enforcement Badge. All such badges are being replaced and new badge/IDs will be issued to new and renewing BEA going forward. Should the renewing BEA not have this badge to return, a police report indicating the badge was lost/stolen must be provided to Professional Licensing.

What are the legal requirements to become a licensed Bail Enforcement Agent in Delaware?

Minimum Requirements

  1. Must be at least 21 years of age.
  2. Must not have been convicted of any felony.
  3. Must not have been convicted of any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or any charge or been involved in any conduct that may impair the performance of the bail enforcement agent and endanger public safety as determined by the Professional Licensing Section.
  4. Must not have been convicted of any misdemeanor involving the act of theft within the last 7 years.
  5. Must not have been convicted of any misdemeanor involving drug offenses within the last 7 years.
  6. Must not have been, as a juvenile, adjudicated as delinquent for conduct which, if committed by an adult, would constitute a felony, unless and until that person has reached their twenty-fifth birthday.
  7. Must not have been convicted, within the last 7 years, of any 2 of the following misdemeanors: offensive touching or assault III.
  8. Must not have been convicted of any offense involving the impersonation of a police officer or a person of trust as defined in Title 11.
  9. Must not have been convicted of any criminal offense involving organized gang activity as defined in Title 11.
  10. If served in the armed forces, must not have received a dishonorable discharge.
  11. Must not be a member or employee of any law-enforcement organization, as defined by the Council of Police Training, or a member or employee of a law-enforcement organization of any other state or federal jurisdiction.
  12. Must meet and maintain the qualifications set and approved by the Board pursuant to this chapter and the rules and regulations as promulgated by the Board and approved by the Secretary of Safety and Homeland Security.

Mandatory Continuing Education – Bail Enforcement Agent

All licensed Bail Enforcements Agents are required to take Annual Continuing Education course (except on the year of their initial licensure) through Delaware Technical Community College.

Odd years will be done by completing an online modular test and even years will be eight hours of classroom training.

Failure to complete a continued education training will result in the immediate suspension of your BEA license.

For further information on Continuing Education, please contact Delaware Technical & Community College – or search Bail Enforcement Continuing Education on their Workforce Development website.

https://us-elevate.elluciancloud.com/app/dtcc


What are the legal requirements to become a licensed ARMED Bail Enforcement Agent in Delaware?

Minimum Requirements

  1. Be at least 21 years of age upon application.
  2. No conviction of any felony or other disqualifying crime – use the link below – Section 6.0/Criminal Offenses.
  3. Complete at 40-hour Firearms Course with an approved instructor.
  4. Complete and provide shoot sheets for one day and one low light shoot when applying.

Armed Bail Enforcement Agents applicants must review all other Firearms Rules before training or applying – see the link below.

Obtaining an Armed (Red Card) Bail Enforcement License only permits the Agent to Open Carry a firearm. This is not a Concealed Carry Deadly Weapon (CCDW) permit.


How can a Lost or Stolen Bail Enforcement Agent ID Card (Armed or Unarmed) be replaced?

Come into the Dover State Bureau of Identification office) and request a replacement. No appointment is necessary. Valid License holders fill out the application for replacement (see the link below) or complete one on site. A license must be valid to be replaced. The replacement fee is $10.00. License Identification cards will be printed on site and given to the requestee at that time.

Lost/Stolen/Name Change Application


How can a Lost or Stolen Bail Enforcement Agent Badge be replaced?

Should a silver, metal badge be lost/stolen it must be reported to the police and the BEA must obtain a report and forward the same to Professional Licensing before their BEA License will be renewed or a badge considered for replacement.

New/Initial Bail Enforcement Agent

All individuals applying for licensure under 24 Del.C. Ch. 55 must complete a minimum of eight hours of training prior to the issuance of an identification card, license and badge. This initial eight (8) hours will fulfill the first year of the required continuing education. The individual must pass the test with a minimum score of 75%.

Courses in Constitution/Bill of Rights, Laws of Arrest, Laws of Search & Seizure of Persons Wanted, Police Jurisdiction, Use of Deadly Force, and the Rules & Regulations of Bail Enforcement Agents; and any other training as deemed pertinent by the Board.

All classroom training and testing must be given by a Board approved facility which is Delaware Technical & Community College

For further information on New Bail Enforcement Agent Training, please contact Delaware Technical & Community College – or search Bail Enforcement on their Workforce Development website:

https://us-elevate.elluciancloud.com/app/dtcc


Mandatory Continuing Education – Bail Enforcement Agent

All licensed Bail Enforcements Agents are required to take Annual Continuing Education course (except on the year of their initial licensure) through Delaware Technical Community College. It is the individual responsibility of the licensed BEA to seek out and obtain their Annual Continuing Education – Professional Licensing is not responsible to notify agents regarding training.

Odd years will be done by completing an online modular test and even years will be eight hours of classroom training.

Failure to complete a continued education training will result in the immediate suspension of your BEA license.

For further information on Continuing Education, please contact Delaware Technical & Community College – or search Bail Enforcement Continuing Education on their Workforce Development website:

https://us-elevate.elluciancloud.com/app/dtcc

7.0 Continuing Education and Training

7.1 Continuing education/training shall be every year. Odd years will be done by completing an on-line modular and test and even years will be eight hours of classroom training. All training and testing must be given by a Board approved facility.

7.2 All continuing education/training courses must be approved by the Board.

7.3 Failure to complete the training every year shall be grounds for suspension or revocation of a current identification card, license and badge or the rejection of a renewal application. Any licensed Bail Enforcement Agent (BEA) not obtaining the continuing education for a given year by the last class offered shall be placed on emergency suspension immediately. Any training missed, or not completed, by a BEA must be completed before the emergency suspension may be administratively lifted. On-line training must be made up on-line and classroom instruction must be made up in person in the classroom. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board may consider extenuating circumstances for reinstatement at its discretion.

7.4 Any continuing education test must be passed with a minimum score of 75%. Any failed test may be taken again within two weeks of the first test. A second failed test will require the individual to take the training again.

The Board of Examiners of Bail Enforcement Agents, the regulatory body for this industry, meets on a quarterly basis.

Board of Examiners Meeting Schedule


Criteria for licensure can be found at the below links for the law and rules and regulations:

Related Links:

Delaware Code

Rules and Regulations

 

 


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