Bondsmen See House Burglarized on Their Watch

PASCO, WA – Recently, some bondsmen watching a home in Pasco were faced with an unusual situation. The bondsmen were awaiting the return of the homeowners because they had questions about a bond. While waiting, the bondsmen saw a car pull up to the house. Three men entered the home and burglarized it. The bondsmen called local authorities. Because of their fast thinking, the thieves were apprehended a short time later.

In Starkville, Mississippi, Bondsmen See Less Business

STARKVILLE, MS - Starkville bondsmen think that the city's jail contract is affecting their businesses. This past June, Starkville agreed to house its prisoners in Clay County jail when the local Oktibbeha County jail is full. Some bondsmen claim that the move has caused fewer prisoners to call local Starkville firms; some bondsmen have seen business decline by 50% to 75% with local prisoners. West Point bondsmen, however, located near the Clay County jail, claim they have not seen an increase in business. Local authorities claim that prisoners booked in Starkville are given their one phone call in that city before being moved to Clay County, so that local bondsmen should not be affected.

Economy Affecting Bail Business

TREASURE COAST, FL - Bondsmen interviewed recently for a Florida newspaper revealed that business is slower than usual, and the economy may be to blame. While jails are overcrowded, bondsmen are receiving fewer calls. The culprit of this slowdown appears to be the sluggish economy, as fewer prisoners are able to afford the 10% of the bail amount and collateral. Many bondsmen are turning to better customer service and increased marketing to tough out the slow times. Ironically, during an economic downturn, crime often increases so that bondsmen might expect more work. However, with the housing crisis and job losses few people can provide collateral to bail professionals.

Cost of Alaska Prison Calls May Rise to $2

ANCHORAGE, AK – Dallas-based Evercom Systems Inc. was going to start charging $2 for calls made by Alaska’s prisoners, but the proposal has been put on hold. The idea stemmed from the fact that prison calls are expensive because some calls made from prison must be recorded, blocked or monitored. However, state regulators are now considering whether the $2 fee is practical. Bail bondsmen, attorneys and prisoners have already objected to the proposed fee, arguing that bills charged to prisoners would increase to cover the added expenses of the phone calls.