Profession “headhunter”: where today are they practicing the ancient craft that has survived to this day? (9 photos)

In foreign films dedicated to the Wild West, you can often find characters such as bounty hunters. However, it is still possible to search for criminals for a reward without being a member of the police or other government agencies today. But how did this ancient profession appear in the first place, and in which countries has it been preserved?





The search for criminals and stolen things has been carried out for a long time. Somewhere, people involved in this craft were called mercenaries, informers, “headhunters” or private detectives (more commonly today).

This profession became most famous and popular in the United States, where the image of a certain nomadic cowboy, traveling from state to state in search of fugitive bandits, appeared in the movies.



Moreover, unlike Europe, where the basis for searching for criminals was the official permission of the court or a responsible official, in the States it was enough to take a posted hound sheet. It was he who became the document that made it possible to arrest or kill the wanted person.





Anyone could do this, even ordinary farmers or simple vagabonds. However, more often than not, even more seasoned criminals with connections in criminal circles became bounty hunters. True, unlike the movies, they tried to capture the criminals alive in order to avoid consequences in case of a mistake. And mistakes, as you might guess, were quite common.



The most legendary of all was Vanka Cain. Despite the fact that he himself was a robber and bandit, he entered the service of the Detective Order, where he was engaged in catching deserters, criminals, Old Believers and runaway peasants.



To do this, he was given a team of 3 soldiers, and also provided protection for Cain's actions by a special Senate decree. True, permissiveness returned him to the bandit path. Taking advantage of government support, the arrogant detective began to engage in extortion, protecting the bribed bandits.

The last straw was that he started a relationship with a 15-year-old soldier's daughter. News of Vanka's affairs reached the leadership of the Detective Prikaz, after which he was whipped, branded and sent to hard labor in Siberia.



Today, this profession still exists only in the USA and the Philippines. Although in the latter it is not particularly popular due to the high risks of making a mistake and the reward for capture being too small. Americans need to obtain the appropriate license for this.

Despite all the dangers, the craft is very profitable, because on average a detective earns about 90 thousand dollars a year. But how does it work, since the hound sheets are no longer posted? As you know, the American legal system allows criminals to be released on bail before trial. As a rule, insurance companies that enter into contracts with ships act as guarantors.



If the accused does not appear on the appointed date, “head hunters” go on the hunt. If successful, they receive part of this very deposit.

Despite the fact that the powers of mercenaries vary depending on the state, according to official data they manage to catch about 88% of fugitives. What is the difference in powers? In some places you need to undergo special training for this, but in others you don’t need it. The same applies to a weapons permit.



Like centuries ago, when this profession appeared, bounty hunters are feared, because they are allowed to break into a house and use physical force. However, they rarely go beyond what is permitted, because, as before, this promises serious punishment.

How do you think this craft would take root in our country today?