BOND SURRENDERS
A bail bondsman is any person, agency, or corporation that will act as a surety and pledge money or property as bail for the appearance of a defendant in court. In most other countries, bail bondsman are illegal except for the United States and its former territory of the Philippines. The first bail bonds business started in San Francisco in 1898.
When a person is released from jail on bail, the bail agent or co-signer may revoke the bail and surrender them back to jail when the person violates conditions or becomes a flight risk. Most times they are returned by a bail agent (aka “Bounty Hunter”) to a jail within the ruling court’s jurisdiction. Bail agents have approached field deputies and requested they accept a bond surrender in the field or at a station. Due to the distinct processing requirements, bond surrenders are not accepted in the field or at sheriff’s stations. The Sheriff has designated two facilities for bond surrenders.
All surrenders shall be booked only through Inmate Reception Center (IRC) or Century Regional Detention Center (CRDF). Under no circumstances, shall bail agents be referred to sheriff’s stations or court lockups for booking. Should they demand that they leave their surrender under 142 PC (officer refusing to receive or arrest a person charged with an offense), they should be referred to the watch commander.
Additionally, Department members in their official capacity shall not recommend or suggest the name or employment of any person, firm, or corporation to act as attorney, counsel, or bondsman.
This does not restrict the rights of members to seek recommendations in respect to their private affairs.
REFERENCES
Manual of Policy and Procedures (MPP) 3-01/040.98 – Recommending Lawyers or Bondsman
Manual of Policy and Procedure (MPP) 4-05/040.00 – Bond Surrender
Manual of Policy and Procedure (MPP) 5-03/090.60 – Surety Bond Procedures-Stations and IRC/CRDF
Court Services Division Manual 2-02/010.15 – Bonds Person Admittance in Lockup
Court Services Division Manual 2-09/040.00 – Bonds Person Surrender
Court Services Division Manual 7-02/070.15 – Bail Bondsman-Inmate Delivery
California Penal Code §142
California Penal Code §1299 – 1299.12
California Department of Insurance Bail Bonds
If you have any questions, please email Field Operations Support Services at [REDACTED TEXT]