DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY

Division of State Police

5500 Bail Enforcement Agents

Statutory Authority: 24 Delaware Code, Section 5504(a) (24 Del.C. §5504(a))

24 DE Admin. Code 5500

PROPOSED

PUBLIC NOTICE

5500 Bail Enforcement Agents

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Examiners of Bail Enforcement Agents, in accordance with 24 Del.C. Ch. 55 proposes to amend Adopted Rule 4.0 – Firearms Policy, Adopted Rule 5.0 – Nightstick, PR 24, Mace, Peppergas, Chemical Spray, and Handcuffs. The amendment to Rule 4.0 specifies the shoot dates and who the instructors are approved by; Rule 5.0 specified who the instructors are approved by. If you wish to view the complete Rules, contact Ms. Peggy Anderson at (302) 672-5304. Any persons wishing to present views may submit them in writing, by July 31, 2014, to Delaware State Police, Professional Licensing Section, P.O. Box 430, Dover, DE 19903. The Board will hold its quarterly meeting Thursday, August 28, 2014, 10:00 am, at the Tatnall Building, 150 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard South, Room 112, Dover, DE.

5500 Bail Enforcement Agents

1.0 Licensing

1.1 A bail enforcement agent ID card, license and badge shall not be issued if the applicant has not complied with the provisions set forth in 24 Del.C. Ch. 55 and the regulations set forth herein. Moreover, no license shall be issued if charges are pending under 24 Del.C. §5507.

1.2 The individual bail enforcement agent applying for an ID card, license and badge under 24 Del.C. Ch. 55 must also meet the following qualifications:

1.2.1 Must complete the training qualifications set forth in Section 6.0; and

1.2.2 If carrying a weapon, must meet and maintain the qualifications set forth in Sections 4.0 and 5.0.

1.3 The individual bail enforcement agent applying for licensure under 24 Del.C. Ch. 55 must submit the following for approval:

1.3.1 A fee of $75 for a four (4) year ID card license and badge; and

1.3.2 Any and all applications required by the Professional Licensing Section.

1.4 The ID cards and badges are the property of the Delaware State Police.

1.5 There shall be no reciprocity with any other state regarding the issuing of an ID card, license and badge to a bail enforcement agent.

1.6 A fee of $50 shall be for the re-application of the ID card, license and badge, which shall be valid for another four (4) years.

1.7 Any person wishing to be licensed as a bail enforcement agent must show proof of current and valid sponsorship from a licensed bail enforcement agent that has been licensed, through 24 Del.C. Ch. 55, for at least five (5) consecutive years.

2.0 Badges, Patches, Advertisements

2.1 No individual licensed under Title 24 Chapter 55 shall use any type of uniform or other clothing items displaying logos, badges, patches, or any other type of writing without first being approved by the Board of Examiners. Under no circumstances shall any item contain the seal or crest of the State of Delaware, any state of the United States, the seal or crest of any county or local sub division, or any facsimile of the aforementioned seals or crests.

2.1.1 All bail enforcement agents shall display their badge at all times during the lawful performance of their duties pursuant to 24 Del.C. Ch. 55 and the regulations set forth herein.

2.2 All advertisements, including vehicle markings, or other forms of publication, subsequent to their use, are subject to review by the Board of Examiners for potential misrepresentation. If the Board of Examiners does not approve the advertisement or publication, the concerns shall be forwarded to the licensee. Failure to correct the advertisement or publication shall be considered a violation of these Rules & Regulations.

2.3 The use of auxiliary lights or sirens on vehicles is prohibited.

3.0 Use Of Animals

The use of animals is prohibited in the performance of any bail enforcement agent activity.

4.0 Firearms Policy

4.1 No person shall carry a firearm under this chapter unless the individual first completed and passed an approved 40-hour firearm course, instructed by a certified firearm instructor, recognized by the Professional Licensing Section. The initial qualification shoot may be used to fulfill one day and one low light requirement during the first year.

4.2 All persons licensed to carry a firearm under this chapter must be re-certified yearly, by an instructor as described in Section 4.1, by shooting a minimum of three (3) qualifying shoots a year. The shoots must be scheduled on at least two (2) separate days, with a minimum 90 days between scheduled shoots. Of the three (3) shoots, there shall be one mandatory "low light" shoot. Simulation is permitted and it may be combined with a daylight shoot. The minimum passing score is 80%.

4.2.1 All renewal shoot sheets must be submitted by January 31st of each year for the previous calendar year.

4.2.2 Any person not meeting the minimum qualifications set forth in 4.2 may have their firearms certification suspended until such time that they meet the minimum three (3) qualifying shoots within the calendar year.

4.3 The only approved firearms that may be carried shall be either a revolver or semi-automatic handgun and be maintained to factory specifications. Only the handguns with the following calibers are permitted:

4.3.1 9mm

4.3.2 .357

4.3.3 .38

4.3.4 .40

4.3.5 .45

4.4 All ammunition will be factory fresh (no re-loads).

4.5 All persons must carry the same firearm that they qualify with (this will be noted by the serial number of each firearm on the shoot sheets).

4.6 All persons must undergo a drug screening for certification and re-certification. The screening results shall be submitted with the firearms certification/re-certification forms to the Professional Licensing Section. A copy of any drugs prescribed by a medical doctor shall be provided, if necessary.

4.1 No individual licensed under 24 Del.C. Ch. 55 shall carry a firearm unless the individual has first passed an approved firearms course of instruction and an initial qualification administered by an approved certified firearms instructor. The course of instruction shall include a minimum 40 hours of training. The Professional Licensing Section may waive the 40 hour training requirement depending upon the applicant’s professional credentials, training and/or work experience (i.e. prior law enforcement).

4.2 All individuals licensed to carry a firearm must shoot a minimum of three (3) qualifying shoots per calendar year, scheduled on at least two (2) separate days, with a minimum 90 days between scheduled shoots. Of these three (3), there will be one (1) mandatory "low light" shoot and may be combined with a day shoot. Two day shoots may NOT be on the same day. Simulation is permitted. The initial qualification shoot may be used to fulfill one day and one low light requirement during the first year.

4.2.1 All renewal shoot sheets must be submitted to the Professional Licensing Section by January 31st of each year for the previous calendar year.

4.2.2 An individual not meeting the minimum qualifications set forth in 4.2 may have their firearms license suspended until such time that they meet the minimum three (3) qualifying shoots within the calendar year.

4.3 Only the handguns with the following calibers are permitted:

4.3.1 9mm;

4.3.2 .357;

4.3.3 .38;

4.3.4 .40; or

4.3.5 . 45.

4.4 All weapons must be either a revolver or semi-automatic and must be double-action or double-action only and must be maintained to factory specifications.

4.5 Under no circumstances will anyone be allowed to carry any type of shotgun or rifle or any type of weapon that is not described herein.

4.6 All individuals must qualify with the same make/model/caliber of weapon that he/she will carry.

4.7 All ammunition will be factory fresh (no re-loads).

4.8 The minimum passing score is 80%.

4.9 Firearms Instructors

4.9.1 Firearms instructors must be certified by the National Rifle Association, a law enforcement training and standards commission (i.e. C.O.P.T.), and/or another professional firearms training institution as a “certified firearms instructor”.

4.9.2 Firearms instructors are restricted to teaching and qualifying individuals according to the type of firearm matching their certification. (For example, a certified handgun instructor may only instruct and qualify individuals with the handgun.)

4.9.3 All firearms instructors must be approved by the Professional Licensing Section before they are authorized to instruct or qualify individuals issued an ID card, license and badge under 24 Del.C. Ch. 55.

5.0 Nightstick, Pr24, Mace, Peppergas, Chemical Spray, And Handcuffs

To carry the above weapons/items, a bail enforcement agent must have completed training, by a Professional Licensing Section approved instructor on each and every weapon/item carried. Proof of training, and any renewal training, must be provided to the Professional Licensing Section. Under no circumstances would a person be permitted to carry any other type weapon/item, unless first approved by the Professional Licensing Section.

5.1 To carry the above weapons/items a BEA must have completed a training program on each and every weapon/item carried and all certifications must be on file in the Professional Licensing Section to be valid to carry/use. Under no circumstances would a person be permitted to carry any other type weapon/item, unless first approved by the Professional Licensing Section.

5.2 Weapon/Item Instructors

5.2.1 All weapon/item instructors must be approved by the Professional Licensing Section before they are authorized to instruct or qualify individuals licensed under 24 Del.C. Ch. 13.

6.0 Training Requirements For Issuance Of A License

6.1 All individuals applying for licensure under 24 Del.C. Ch. 55 must complete training in the following prior to the issuance of a license:

6.1.1 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

6.1.2 Mandatory training in the field by a bail enforcement instructor approved by the Board.

6.1.3 A bail enforcement agent shall go through a minimum one year internship with an approved licensed bail enforcement agent.

7.0 Continuing Education And Training

Continuing education/training shall be 32 hours every four (4) years with the breakdown being eight (8) hours per year, which must include at least two (2) hours each year in training on the use of deadly force. Failure to have the eight hours of training every year shall be grounds for suspension or revocation of a current license or 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. Once the continuing education class has been taken for the following year, Professional Licensing may administratively re-instate the BEA.

17 DE Reg. 652 (12/01/13)

8.0 Apprehension Procedures

8.1 All bail enforcement agents licensed under 24 Del.C. Ch. 55 are required to notify the police emergency 911 dispatch center for the appropriate jurisdiction prior to making any attempt at an apprehension. This notification must occur prior to responding to the address of the attempt.

8.1.1 Notification shall be made to one of the following 911 dispatch centers as appropriate; Recom - DSP, New Castle County PD, Newark PD, Wilmington PD, University of Delaware PD, Kent-com - DSP, Smyrna PD, Dover PD, Milford PD, Suscom - DSP, Seaford PD, Rehoboth Beach PD, Dewey Beach PD, Bethany PD, and South Bethany PD.

8.2 Upon successful apprehension, if the bail enforcement agent transports the subject to the law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction in which the apprehension occurred, transfer of custody to the law enforcement agency shall take place at that time.

8.2.1 A failure of a police agency to accept custody of the fugitive shall be immediately documented by the bail enforcement agent and reported to the Board.

8.3 Failure to follow the procedures as described in this section could result in the suspension or revocation of the bail enforcement agent license, badge and ID card.

9.0 Notification Of Arrest

Pursuant to 24 Del.C. §5511, anyone licensed under this chapter shall, excluding weekends and state holidays, notify the Director within 5 days of any arrest which could result in a misdemeanor or felony conviction. Failure to do so may result in the suspension or revocation of a license.

10.0 Suspensions And Revocations

10.1 The Professional Licensing Section shall have the power to suspend or revoke any individual, licensed under Title 24 Chapter 55 that violates the Chapter or the promulgated Rules & Regulations.

10.2 The Professional Licensing Section may suspend or revoke any individual, licensed under 24 Del.C. Ch. 55, that has been arrested and that arrest could result in the conviction of any misdemeanor or felony.

10.3 Any person whose license has been suspended, revoked, rejected, or denied shall be granted a full hearing, by the Board at their next quarterly meeting, provided that the violating party requests such a hearing, in writing, to the Professional Licensing Section within 30 days of the suspension. Such person shall be entitled to an appeal of the Board's decision to the Department of Safety and Homeland Security if a written appeal is filed within ten (10) days from the date of the Board's decision.

11.0 Criminal Offenses

11.1 For the purposes of 24 Del.C. Ch. 55, the Board may deny an application for a license or suspend or revoke a license if the applicant or licensee has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime involving moral turpitude. A misdemeanor crime involving moral turpitude includes, but is not limited to, the following crimes in the Delaware Code (or similar crimes under the laws of other jurisdictions):

11.1.1 §763 Sexual harassment;

11.1.2 §764 Indecent exposure in the second degree;

11.1.3 §765 Indecent exposure in the first degree;

11.1.4 §766 Incest;

11.1.5 §767 Unlawful sexual contact in the third degree;

11.1.6 §781 Unlawful imprisonment in the second degree;

11.1.7 §840 Shoplifting;

11.1.8 §861 Forgery;

11.1.9 §871 Falsifying Business Records

11.1.10 §881 Bribery

11.1.11 §907 Criminal Impersonation

11.1.12 §1101 Abandonment of a Child;