What is a bounty hunter?

A bounty hunter is specifically defined as a person hired by a bail bondsman to capture fugitives who have skipped bail. This role is integral in the bail bond industry, as it involves tracking down individuals who have failed to appear for their court dates after being released on bail. When a defendant does not adhere to the conditions of their release, the bail bondsman, who has a financial stake in the outcome, may employ a bounty hunter to recover the fugitive and ensure they return to custody. This process protects the bondsman's investment and upholds the integrity of the bail system.

In contrast, the other roles mentioned, like those of court employees or law enforcement officers, involve different responsibilities related to supervising bail agreements or enforcing legal regulations rather than actively pursuing fugitives. A private investigator, while they may conduct investigations into criminal behavior, does not specialize in the apprehension of bail jumpers like a bounty hunter does.