§ 67-13. Training.
(a)
Training course required. A surety recovery agent must satisfactorily complete a basic course of training for bail enforcement agents that is approved by the director. When asked to approve a course of training the director will consider the following factors:
(1)
Sponsor of the training program, such as a recognized professional organization, an accredited vocational school, school district, or community college or other accredited institution of higher learning.
(2)
Credentials of faculty members.
(3)
Examination requirements.
(4)
In the case of proposed distance learning programs, the steps taken by the institution to insure completed work and examinations are the applicant / student's own work.
(b)
Minimum curriculum. The basic course of training must consist of at least 20 hours of training which includes, at a minimum, instruction in the following:
(1)
The following areas of the law:
a.
Constitutional law;
b.
Procedures for arresting defendants and surrendering defendants into custody;
c.
Civil liability;
d.
The civil rights of persons who are detained in custody;
e.
The use of force; and
(2)
Procedures for field operations, including, without limitation:
a.
Safety and survival techniques;
b.
Searching buildings;
c.
Handling persons who are mentally ill or under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance; and
d.
The care and custody of prisoners;
(3)
The skills required of bail enforcement agents, including, without limitation:
a.
Writing reports, completing forms and procedures for exoneration;
b.
Methods of arrest;
c.
Nonlethal weapons;
d.
The retention of weapons;
e.
Qualifications for the use of firearms;
f.
Defensive tactics;
g.
Use of handcuffs;
h.
Use of mace; and
i.
Demeanor in the courtroom.
(4)
Principles of investigation, including, without limitation:
a.
The basic principles of locating defendants who have not complied with the terms and conditions established by a court for their release from custody or the terms and conditions of a contract entered into with a surety; and
b.
Ethics; and
(5)
First aid:
a.
First aid used in emergencies; and
b.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
The director may accept certification from the American Red Cross or other recognized program of first aid training, and certification from the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or other recognized program of cardiopulmonary resuscitation training.
(c)
Length of course of study. All training required by this code must be started and completed within a period of six months, except that first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation training may be completed within the prior two years of the date of application.
(d)
Exception to training requirement—Law enforcement officers. A person who has earned a degree from an accredited institution of higher learning in criminal justice or similar curriculum, or completed a course of training required by a municipal, state or federal law enforcement agency or a branch of the armed forces to carry out the duties of a peace officer is not required to complete the course outlined by this section if:
(1)
The degree or course was completed within five years prior to the date of application; or
(2)
The degree or course was completed more than five years prior to the date of application but the applicant has been working as a law enforcement officer for at least two of the previous five years prior to the date of application.
(e)
Delay for training requirement—Current surety recovery agents. A person who has worked as a surety recovery agent for at least two years prior to July 1, 2003, and has accomplished no less than 25 lawful recoveries, as certified by one or more bail bond agents for whom the surety recovery agent worked, must complete the training required by this code before July 1, 2005. For purposes of this requirement, a bail bond agent licensed by a state other than Missouri may certify to the applicant's prior recoveries.
(f)
Cost paid by applicant. The applicant will be responsible for the cost of the training.
(Ord. No. 021454, § 1, 4-3-03)