(WFLA) – News Channel 8 joined a bail bondsman to see what the job entails.
Bondsman can be on the job 24/7, we found. When someone is arrested and can’t afford bail, they can call a bondsman. The bondsman pays a percentage of the bail.
The bondsman is then on the hook to make sure that person shows up in court. If the arrested party doesn’t, the bondsman can be liable for the entire bail. Thus, they are often stuck trying to find people.
Bail bondsman Richard Herreck had three days to find a bail jumper. He searched three residences, entered one in the middle of the night, and followed a car, but still had not found the bail jumper.
We joined him through an extensive search process. He used contacts on the street and in law enforcement. A team assisted him in gathering information throughout the night.
“To be successful in this business there is no room for bullying,” Herreck said. “You must be humble and have the heart of a lion.”
He said his favorite part of being a bail bondsman is the hunt. He also said he loves reuniting families with their loved ones by bonding people out of jail. The business is tough and dangerous, he said, adding that he’s grateful when he can help lead a defendant down a better more positive path in life.
