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Bail Enforcement Agent Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

... investigations, bail evaluations, violation reports, etc. Recommendations to the Court are ... Respond as needed to collateral and emergency contacts such as law enforcement, victims, schools ...

Probation Agent

Fergus Falls, MN · On-site

$29.69 - $44.53/hr

... investigations, bail evaluations, violation reports, etc. Recommendations to the Court are ... Respond as needed to collateral and emergency contacts such as law enforcement, victims, schools ...

Bail Enforcement Agent information

See Minnesota salary details

$10

$15

$18

How much do bail enforcement agent jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for bail enforcement agent in Minnesota is $15.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.13 and $16.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a bail enforcement agent?

Bail Enforcement Agents, commonly known as bounty hunters, are professionals who locate and apprehend individuals who have skipped bail and failed to appear in court. They work on behalf of bail bond agencies to recover fugitives and ensure they are returned to the legal system. Bail Enforcement Agents must operate within the laws of their state, and their authority can vary depending on local regulations. Their work often requires investigative skills, surveillance, and knowledge of legal procedures. This career can be physically demanding and sometimes dangerous.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a bail enforcement agent, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Bail Enforcement Agent, you need knowledge of criminal law, investigative skills, physical fitness, and often a background in law enforcement or relevant certification. Familiarity with surveillance technology, databases, and sometimes non-lethal restraint tools is typically required. Strong negotiation, discretion, and stress management skills help agents handle high-pressure situations and interact professionally with fugitives and law enforcement. These skills ensure agents can safely and effectively locate, apprehend, and return individuals who have skipped bail, while minimizing risk to themselves and others.

What are some common challenges bail enforcement agents face when locating and apprehending fugitives?

Bail Enforcement Agents often encounter challenges such as tracking fugitives who deliberately evade capture, working in unpredictable environments, and dealing with incomplete or misleading information. The role requires a high level of discretion, adaptability, and strong investigative skills to locate individuals efficiently and safely. Agents also need to navigate complex legal regulations that vary by state, and successful teamwork with law enforcement and legal professionals is essential to ensure operations are compliant and effective.

What is the difference between Bail Enforcement Agent vs Bail Bondsman?

AspectBail Enforcement AgentBail Bondsman
CredentialsMay require licensing or certification depending on state lawsTypically licensed; may need bonding or insurance credentials
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, tracking and apprehending fugitivesOffice-based, client interactions, and court appearances
Employer & Industry UsagePrivate agencies, law enforcement supportBail bond companies, insurance industry
Search & Comparison IntentFocuses on apprehending defendantsFocuses on posting bail and financial transactions

While both roles operate within the bail industry, Bail Enforcement Agents primarily focus on locating and apprehending fugitives who skip bail, often working in the field. Bail Bondsmen, on the other hand, provide the financial guarantee for defendants to secure their release. Understanding these differences helps clarify their distinct responsibilities and work environments.

How does a bail enforcement agent get paid?

Bail enforcement agents typically earn a commission or fee based on the amount recovered or the bail bond amount. They may also receive a flat fee per case and often work on a contractual basis, with payment contingent upon successful apprehensions or recoveries. Licensing and experience can influence their compensation structure.

How to become a bail enforcement agent in Texas?

To become a bail enforcement agent in Texas, you must be at least 18 years old, pass a background check, complete a 40-hour pre-licensing training course approved by the Texas Department of Public Safety, and obtain a license through the Texas Department of Public Safety. Additionally, agents must adhere to state laws and regulations governing their activities and may need to carry liability insurance.

How to become a bail enforcement agent?

To become a bail enforcement agent, you must be at least 18 years old, pass a criminal background check, complete a state-approved training course, and obtain a license from the California Department of Insurance. Additionally, some experience in law enforcement or security can be beneficial. Licensing requirements may include passing a written exam and submitting fingerprints.

What job categories do people searching Bail Enforcement Agent jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Bail Enforcement Agent jobs in Minnesota are:

Infographic showing various Bail Enforcement Agent job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,198 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Probation Agent

Otter Tail County, MN

Fergus Falls, MN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : Courthouse 121 West Junius Avenue Fergus Falls, MN
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 34:08/26
Department: Probation
Opening Date: 08/14/2026
Closing Date: 8/31/2026 4:30 PM Central
Description
Otter Tail County is accepting applications for a full-time Probation Agent position.
The purpose of the Probation Agent position is to supervise adult and juvenile clients at home, work, school and in the community. Probation Agents are responsible for coordinating multiple services, enforcing court orders, completing investigations, and protecting the communities they serve.
Deadline to apply is August 31, 2026.
Examples of Duties
  • Supervise adult and juvenile clients according to department policy to ensure compliance with court-ordered conditions. Supervision tasks include completing validated risk and needs assessments, implementing effective intervention strategies, attending weekly office meetings, residential field visits, school visits, placement visits, and employment visits throughout the week. Agents must manage intense situations and be responsive to the needs of clients by addressing each issue, concern, and/or violation based on the risk/needs of each individual client.
  • Complete professional reports for the Court such as pre-sentence investigations, pre-dispositional investigations, bail evaluations, violation reports, etc. Recommendations to the Court are responsive to the risk/needs of each individual client. Perform court-related and administrative hearing activities. Testify before the Court as necessary.
  • Respond as needed to collateral and emergency contacts such as law enforcement, victims, schools, placements, clients, client family members, etc. Attend all meetings as requested.
  • Maintain accurate chronological case notes.
  • Effect police powers through the approved issuance and execution of apprehension and detention orders when necessary.
  • Obtain drug tests from clients as necessary. Understand over the counter and prescription drug medications and how they may impact a drug test result.
  • Complete special assignments per request of the Director.
  • Abide by department policies, Otter Tail County policies, applicable Minnesota Department of Corrections policies, and all Minnesota Statutes.
  • Remain current with knowledge and changes in the field of corrections.
  • Complete 40 hours of training per year. Training may include evidence-based practices, use-of-force, safety and self-defense, first aid/CPR, etc.
  • May assist with duties and responsibilities as outlined in the County Emergency Operations Plan and Continuity of Operations Plan.

Minimum Qualifications
A Bachelor's degree in Corrections, Criminal Justice, Criminology, Counseling, Counseling Psychology, Education, Law Enforcement, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, Business or a Human Services related field with an emphasis in corrections/criminal justice.
Preferred, but not required:
  • Completed a full-time internship (minimum duration of one semester or 10 weeks or 400 hours) with the Minnesota Department of Corrections as a Corrections Agent or Corrections Security Caseworker, or with another jurisdiction as a Probation Officer;
  • A minimum of 400 hours (approximately three months) of work or volunteer experience as a Corrections Agent, Corrections Security Caseworker or Probation Officer;
  • A minimum of two years of experience supervising clients in the Minnesota Department of Corrections as a Corrections Officer or Sentencing to Service Crew Leader;
  • A minimum of six months of professional-level experience in case management in a correctional or human service setting.
  • Candidates with extensive law enforcement experience and an Associate's degree in a law enforcement related field may be considered.
Other requirements include:
  • Valid driver's license required.
  • Upon employment offer, must pass background investigation/criminal history check.
  • Must have necessary computer technology knowledge to complete criminal background checks, CJIS, look up fine/restitution and other info on MNCIS; knowledge of court services tracking system (CSTS); statewide supervision system (SSS); Minnesota repository of arrest photos (MRAP); Driver Vehicle Service (DVS); web court access system and CriMNet statewide client system.
  • Must be willing to obtain basic knowledge of use of force training in regard to arresting a client, protecting self and knowledge of the continuum of use of force.
  • Must obtain certificate to carry OC spray.

Supplemental Information
This position is regularly scheduled to work Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with potential for evening and weekend hours. There are three levels of Probation Agents, depending on qualifications. The salary range for the three levels is as follows:
Probation Agent: $29.69 - $44.53
Senior Probation Agent: $32.50 - $48.76
Career Probation Agent: $34.93 - $52.43
The selection process will include an online employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Semi-finalists will be invited to interview. Finalists will be required to pass a background investigation prior to hire. A standard twelve-month probation period applies.
Please note: This position is considered a safety-sensitive position due to the essential job duties in accordance with Minn. Stat. §181.950, Subd. 13. Safety-sensitive employees are subject to pre-employment drug testing and random drug and alcohol testing. In addition, all employees are subject to drug and alcohol testing upon reasonable suspicion/cause, return-to-duty, follow-up, and post-accident.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, click on desired job title, then the "Apply" link. On-line applications are stored on a secure site. Only you and authorized employees of Otter Tail County have access to the information submitted.
When filling out any employment application materials for Otter Tail County, you must include your entire employment and education history. Failure to do so may render your application incomplete.
Veterans Preference
Eligible veterans as defined by Minnesota Statute 197.447 may claim Veterans Preference during the hiring process. A DD214 and required supporting documentation must be included with the employment application to receive preference.
Background Investigation
All employment offers are contingent upon the applicant passing a background investigation which may include, but are not limited to, gathering information from the following sources: Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, other law enforcement agencies, court documents, educational institutions, previous employers, Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services, military records, Immigration and Naturalization Services, and known associates of the applicant.
Criminal convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. Making false statements or withholding information during the hiring process will cause you to be barred from employment or removed from employment.
Otter Tail County is a tobacco-free workplace.
Otter Tail County does not discriminate on the basis of political affiliation, race, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, sex (pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation), marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local commission, disability, or genetic information.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Otter Tail County provides an attractive benefit package for regular full-time employees, including health, dental, life, long-term disability, and retirement benefits through the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA). Regular full-time employees can expect to accrue holiday, sick, and vacation leave benefits. In addition, employees receive professional development opportunities.
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The following questionnaire will be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills, and experience and is used to determine advancement in the hiring process. Be sure that your responses are thorough and complete. If a question asks for education and experience that you have already stated in the employment application, it is still important to answer the question thoroughly on the questionnaire. All responses should be examples of your own writing and will be evaluated for potential AI. If we determine that the responses were created using AI, your application may be deemed ineligible.
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Briefly describe any direct experience you have had working with justice-involved clients.
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Describe your idea of providing effective case management services.
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Describe how you effectively manage your time in a rapidly changing professional work environment.
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Describe your understanding and training with evidence-based practices.
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Describe how you will be an effective Probation Agent.
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Are you bilingual? If you are bilingual, indicate the language(s) you speak and your skill level. Also tell us whether you can speak fluently, read/or write the language(s).
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Have you included your entire work history on this employment application? Do not mark your application "see resume". Not including your entire work history will render your application incomplete.
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How did you hear about this job opportunity? Check all that apply.
  • Otter Tail County Website
  • Minnesota Works Website
  • Newspaper
  • Social Media
  • Word of Mouth
  • Other

Required Question