THE AUTHOR FIRST PROVIDES A DESCRIPTION OF THE BAIL BONDSMEN. IT IS NOTED THAT THREE MAIN TYPES ARE FOUND: THE GENERAL AGENTS, WHO ARE MANAGERS AND OWNERS OF THEIR OWN BONDING AGENCIES; SUB-AGENTS, WHO WRITE BONDS FOR THE GENERAL AGENTS; AND POCKET BONDSMEN, WHO WRITE BONDS USING THEIR OWN ASSETS TO INSURE PAYMENT IF THE BONDED PARTY DOES NOT APPEAR. AMONG THE SPECIFIC TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS ARTICLE ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR BECOMING A BAIL BONDSMAN, METHODS OF CONTACTING THE BONDSMAN, THE FACTORS USED IN DECIDING WHETHER OR NOT TO WRITE A BOND, METHODS OF LOCATING PERSONS WHO JUMP BAIL, AND REFORMS WHICH THE BONDSMEN CONSIDER DESIRABLE.