Who+Why=Who FBI Behavioral Science Unit Introduction Introduction The FBI Behavior Science Unit (BSU) was formed in 1972. It is part of the Training.

Who+Why=WhoWho+Why=Who

FBI Behavioral Science FBI Behavioral Science UnitUnit

IntroductionIntroduction The FBI Behavior Science Unit (BSU) The FBI Behavior Science Unit (BSU)

was formed in 1972. It is part of the was formed in 1972. It is part of the Training Division, Instruction Section, Training Division, Instruction Section, and is located at the FBI Academy in and is located at the FBI Academy in Quantico,VA.Quantico,VA.

The BSU’s mission is to:The BSU’s mission is to:1.1. Develop and provide programs in training, Develop and provide programs in training,

research, and consultation in the behavioral and research, and consultation in the behavioral and social sciences for Law Enforcement.social sciences for Law Enforcement.

2.2. Conduct applied research on behavioral and Conduct applied research on behavioral and social science law enforcement issues for use in social science law enforcement issues for use in training, consultation, and operational matters; training, consultation, and operational matters; and,and,

3.3. Provide consultation services to law enforcement Provide consultation services to law enforcement when requested.when requested.

The BSU is the unit of origin responsible for The BSU is the unit of origin responsible for the development of many of the FBI’s the development of many of the FBI’s other specialty units. These units include:other specialty units. These units include:

the National Center for the Analysis of the National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime (NCAVC)Violent Crime (NCAVC)

Behavioral Analysis Units (profilers)Behavioral Analysis Units (profilers) Hostage Rescue TeamHostage Rescue Team Special Weapons and tactics (Swat)Special Weapons and tactics (Swat) Crisis (Hostage) negotiationCrisis (Hostage) negotiation Crisis management, andCrisis management, and Employee AssistanceEmployee Assistance Many of these units have since relocated Many of these units have since relocated

to other areas of the FBI such as the to other areas of the FBI such as the Critical Incident Response GroupCritical Incident Response Group

TrainingTraining

A primary responsibility of the BSU A primary responsibility of the BSU includes training FBI National Academy includes training FBI National Academy students on a variety of specialized topics students on a variety of specialized topics concerning the behavior and social concerning the behavior and social sciences. sciences.

Another responsibility of the BSU is to Another responsibility of the BSU is to provide seven hours of instruction to new provide seven hours of instruction to new agent trainees at the FBI academy on agent trainees at the FBI academy on topics such as stress management, topics such as stress management, dangerous individuals, and gangs.dangerous individuals, and gangs.

Some examples of BSU sponsored Some examples of BSU sponsored conferences/symposia include:conferences/symposia include:

domestic violence committed by law domestic violence committed by law enforcement officers;enforcement officers;

advanced death investigation;advanced death investigation; school violence—investigative, school violence—investigative,

predictive and preventative predictive and preventative strategies for the 21st century;strategies for the 21st century;

Suicide and law enforcement.Suicide and law enforcement.

ResearchResearch Current BSU research topics include:Current BSU research topics include: crimes against the aging;crimes against the aging; killing/assault of law enforcement officers;killing/assault of law enforcement officers; the Computer Hacker Interviewing Research the Computer Hacker Interviewing Research

Project;Project; use of poison as a weapon;use of poison as a weapon; reliability and validity of official crime statistics;reliability and validity of official crime statistics; inferring offender characteristics from threatening inferring offender characteristics from threatening

communicationcommunication gangs and gang violencegangs and gang violence air rage; andair rage; and Emerging Technologies and Policing.Emerging Technologies and Policing.

The Behavioral Science Unit also The Behavioral Science Unit also coordinates with and supports other coordinates with and supports other FBI units, such as the National Center FBI units, such as the National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime for the Analysis of Violent Crime (NCAVC), of the Critical Incident (NCAVC), of the Critical Incident response Group (CIRG), which response Group (CIRG), which provides operational assistance to FBI provides operational assistance to FBI field offices and law enforcement field offices and law enforcement agencies. agencies.

The BSU also offers full time unpaid The BSU also offers full time unpaid internship opportunities to qualified internship opportunities to qualified students during spring, and fall students during spring, and fall semesters. The BSU also participates semesters. The BSU also participates in the FBI’s Honors Internship programin the FBI’s Honors Internship program

NCAVCNCAVC The National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime The National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime

(NCAVC) was formed June 21, 1984 and is located at the FBI (NCAVC) was formed June 21, 1984 and is located at the FBI Academy and run by the agents of the Behavioral Science Academy and run by the agents of the Behavioral Science Unit.Unit.

The mission of the NCAVC is to coordinate investigative The mission of the NCAVC is to coordinate investigative and operational support functions, criminological research, and operational support functions, criminological research, and training for local, state, federal and international law and training for local, state, federal and international law enforcement agencies investigating unusual or repetitive enforcement agencies investigating unusual or repetitive violent crimes (serial crimes). violent crimes (serial crimes).

The NCAVC also provides investigative support, expertise, The NCAVC also provides investigative support, expertise, and consultation in non-violent matters such as national and consultation in non-violent matters such as national security, corruption, and white-collar crime investigations. security, corruption, and white-collar crime investigations.

President Regan gave it the primary mission of identifying President Regan gave it the primary mission of identifying and tracking repeat killers (his term for serial killers). and tracking repeat killers (his term for serial killers).

The NCAVC is supported by research and The NCAVC is supported by research and training programs (BSU). Requests for training programs (BSU). Requests for NCAVC services are facilitated through the NCAVC services are facilitated through the NCAVC coordinators assigned to each FBI NCAVC coordinators assigned to each FBI field office.field office.

The NCAVC was further divided into The NCAVC was further divided into three components: Behavioral Analysis Unit three components: Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU)-East/West regions; Child Abduction (BAU)-East/West regions; Child Abduction Serial Murder Investigative Resources Serial Murder Investigative Resources Center (CASMIRC); and Violent Criminal Center (CASMIRC); and Violent Criminal Apprehension Program (VICAP). Apprehension Program (VICAP).

The Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) mission The Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) mission is to provide behavioral based is to provide behavioral based investigative and operational support by investigative and operational support by applying research, training, case applying research, training, case experience, and training to complex and experience, and training to complex and time-sensitive crimes usually involving time-sensitive crimes usually involving acts or threats of violence. The program acts or threats of violence. The program areas addressed include Crimes against areas addressed include Crimes against children, Crimes against Adults, children, Crimes against Adults, Communicated Threats, Corruption, and Communicated Threats, Corruption, and Bombing and Arson investigations. Bombing and Arson investigations.

The BAU assistance is requested through The BAU assistance is requested through the network of field NCAVC coordinators. the network of field NCAVC coordinators. BAU services are provided during on-site BAU services are provided during on-site case consultations, telephone conference case consultations, telephone conference calls, and/or consultations held at the BAU calls, and/or consultations held at the BAU with case investigators. with case investigators.

BAU assistance is provided through the process of BAU assistance is provided through the process of “criminal investigative analysis”. “criminal investigative analysis”.

Criminal investigative analysis is the process of Criminal investigative analysis is the process of reviewing crimes from both a behavioral and reviewing crimes from both a behavioral and investigative perspective. It involves reviewing investigative perspective. It involves reviewing and assessing the facts of a criminal act, and assessing the facts of a criminal act, interpreting offender behavior, and interaction with interpreting offender behavior, and interaction with the victim, as exhibited during the commission of the victim, as exhibited during the commission of the crime, or as displayed in the crime scene. the crime, or as displayed in the crime scene.

BAU staff conducts analyses of crimes for the BAU staff conducts analyses of crimes for the purpose of providing one or more of the following purpose of providing one or more of the following services: crime analysis, investigative services: crime analysis, investigative suggestions, and profiles of unknown offenders, suggestions, and profiles of unknown offenders, threat analysis, critical incident analysis, interview threat analysis, critical incident analysis, interview strategies, major case management, search strategies, major case management, search warrant assistance, prosecutive/trial strategies, warrant assistance, prosecutive/trial strategies, and expert testimony. and expert testimony.

The BAU also maintains a reference file on experts The BAU also maintains a reference file on experts in various forensic disciplines such as odontology, in various forensic disciplines such as odontology, anthropology, entomology, or pathology. anthropology, entomology, or pathology.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)(KSAs)

Knowledge:Knowledge: The investigator should have a minimum of a The investigator should have a minimum of a

bachelor’s degree preferably in criminal justice, bachelor’s degree preferably in criminal justice, sociology, criminology, or psychology.sociology, criminology, or psychology.

Knowledge in investigation, law, and the criminal Knowledge in investigation, law, and the criminal justice systemjustice system

The investigator should have at least five years The investigator should have at least five years experience, with a law enforcement agency experience, with a law enforcement agency principally in the investigation of major crimes, principally in the investigation of major crimes, interpersonal violence including homicide or interpersonal violence including homicide or sexual assault.sexual assault.

Be computer literate and able to use excel, Be computer literate and able to use excel, office, and accessoffice, and access

Be mathematically competentBe mathematically competent

Skills:Skills: Have demonstrated above average oral and written Have demonstrated above average oral and written

communication skillscommunication skills Have a superior level of investigative skill in the above Have a superior level of investigative skill in the above

investigative areasinvestigative areas Have a documented high level of interpersonal skillsHave a documented high level of interpersonal skills Have an Outstanding recordHave an Outstanding record Have a documented amplitude for thoroughness in Have a documented amplitude for thoroughness in

conducting complex investigationconducting complex investigation Demonstrated a proficiency in public speaking and Demonstrated a proficiency in public speaking and

presentingpresenting Demonstrated court room experience such as testimonyDemonstrated court room experience such as testimony Demonstrated search warrant experience Demonstrated search warrant experience Have a demonstrated ability to write reportsHave a demonstrated ability to write reports

Abilities:Abilities: Pass an oral reviewPass an oral review Pass an written examinationPass an written examination Be in good physical condition and pass a physical testBe in good physical condition and pass a physical test Pass a psychological evaluationPass a psychological evaluation Pass a background investigationPass a background investigation Ability to work with outside private and law enforcement agenciesAbility to work with outside private and law enforcement agencies Ability to dedicate long hours to academic pursuits as requiredAbility to dedicate long hours to academic pursuits as required Have an ability to master the basics of probability and statisticsHave an ability to master the basics of probability and statistics Have the ability to learn psychological and geographical concepts and Have the ability to learn psychological and geographical concepts and

techniquestechniques Have the ability to learn criminal analysis techniquesHave the ability to learn criminal analysis techniques Ability to grasp abstract concepts and complex scenariosAbility to grasp abstract concepts and complex scenarios Agree to remain on profiling duties, on a full-time basis for at least 5 years Agree to remain on profiling duties, on a full-time basis for at least 5 years

following trainingfollowing training Have a high level of credibility in the law enforcement community, Have a high level of credibility in the law enforcement community,

especially within investigative units outside and within their agencyespecially within investigative units outside and within their agency

Needs Analysis:Needs Analysis:

The needs analysis section will weigh the The needs analysis section will weigh the advantages and disadvantages of having a profiling unit at advantages and disadvantages of having a profiling unit at the individual, department, and community level.the individual, department, and community level.

Individual OfficerIndividual Officer AdvantagesAdvantages

Good payGood pay RecognitionRecognition Promotion potentialPromotion potential TrainingTraining ExcitementExcitement TrainingTraining Self-fulfillmentSelf-fulfillment

DisadvantagesDisadvantages Extremely challengingExtremely challenging Interferes with personal lifeInterferes with personal life DangerDanger StressStress

Department Department AdvantagesAdvantages

Frees up investigators and officersFrees up investigators and officers Increase in trainingIncrease in training Public relationsPublic relations Save time and money on uncoordinated Save time and money on uncoordinated

investigationsinvestigations DisadvantagesDisadvantages

Hard to find qualified individualsHard to find qualified individuals CostCost Restructure of departmentRestructure of department Liability Liability

CommunityCommunity AdvantagesAdvantages

Catch dangerous offendersCatch dangerous offenders Saves cost to citizens by reducing serial Saves cost to citizens by reducing serial

property crimesproperty crimes Sense of pride and security to citizensSense of pride and security to citizens Saves citizens costs related to drawn out Saves citizens costs related to drawn out

investigationsinvestigations DisadvantagesDisadvantages

CostCost Loss of tax dollars to the programLoss of tax dollars to the program Start up costStart up cost

Personnel Analysis:Personnel Analysis: Profilers require about a year of in-depth training, an academic Profilers require about a year of in-depth training, an academic

background in psychology or another social science is helpful. background in psychology or another social science is helpful. However, the most important trait of an FBI profiler is extensive However, the most important trait of an FBI profiler is extensive experience working on investigations. The initial BSU staff experience working on investigations. The initial BSU staff handpicked agents that seemed to have a knack for behavioral handpicked agents that seemed to have a knack for behavioral analysis. When asked what traits a profiler should possess, former analysis. When asked what traits a profiler should possess, former BSU agent Roy Hazelwood said: “Common sense. Another term BSU agent Roy Hazelwood said: “Common sense. Another term for that is practical intelligence. An open mind- you have to be for that is practical intelligence. An open mind- you have to be able to accept other people’s suggestions. Number three is life able to accept other people’s suggestions. Number three is life experience. Number four is an ability to isolate your personal experience. Number four is an ability to isolate your personal feelings about the crime, the criminal and the victim. Number five feelings about the crime, the criminal and the victim. Number five would be an ability to think like the offender thinks not get into his would be an ability to think like the offender thinks not get into his mind. All you have to do is reason like he does. You don’t have to mind. All you have to do is reason like he does. You don’t have to get into his mind.” get into his mind.”

Once an agent is selected into one of the behavioral Once an agent is selected into one of the behavioral analysis units, they go through a 16-week class classroom-based analysis units, they go through a 16-week class classroom-based program, taught by both agents and outside professionals. Hilts program, taught by both agents and outside professionals. Hilts says, “We try to start with a basic foundation of psychology and says, “We try to start with a basic foundation of psychology and then go to specifics. By the last several weeks, we get into the then go to specifics. By the last several weeks, we get into the specialties of specific types of crimes.”specialties of specific types of crimes.”

The coursework involves subjects such as:The coursework involves subjects such as: Basic psychologyBasic psychology Criminal psychologyCriminal psychology Forensic scienceForensic science Body recoveryBody recovery Criminal Investigative AnalysisCriminal Investigative Analysis Death InvestigationDeath Investigation Threat assessmentThreat assessment Statement/document analysisStatement/document analysis Crimes against childrenCrimes against children Child abduction and homicideChild abduction and homicide Sexual victimization of children/Internet issuesSexual victimization of children/Internet issues Interview and interrogation proceduresInterview and interrogation procedures Serial murderSerial murder

Cost Analysis:Cost Analysis: The estimated initial cost of the unit would be an approximately $5.09 million dollars. The estimated initial cost of the unit would be an approximately $5.09 million dollars.

The estimated cost would include: The estimated cost would include: training ($500,000)training ($500,000) Computer Equipment ($250,000)Computer Equipment ($250,000) Office equipment ($200,000) Office equipment ($200,000) consultants ($100,000)consultants ($100,000) Vehicles ($585,000)Vehicles ($585,000) office space ($300,000)office space ($300,000) other equipment ($200,000)other equipment ($200,000) initial salaries ($1.74 Million)initial salaries ($1.74 Million) Total: $5.09 MillionTotal: $5.09 Million The estimated recurrent costs would be about $2.74 million dollars. This The estimated recurrent costs would be about $2.74 million dollars. This

would consist of maintenance and office supplies ($1 million), and Salaries ($1.74 would consist of maintenance and office supplies ($1 million), and Salaries ($1.74 Million). The estimated salaries are as follows:Million). The estimated salaries are as follows:

Unit chief ($150,000)Unit chief ($150,000) Forensic Psychologist ($100,000)Forensic Psychologist ($100,000) Technical Information Specialist ($70,000)Technical Information Specialist ($70,000) Management Analyst ($50,000) Management Analyst ($50,000) Investigators ($85,000)Investigators ($85,000) Crime Analyst ($50,000)Crime Analyst ($50,000) Technician ($45,000)Technician ($45,000) Secretary ($35,000)Secretary ($35,000)

HistoryHistory HistoryHistory When the Behavioral Science Unit was opened in 1972, it was When the Behavioral Science Unit was opened in 1972, it was

initially formed with eleven agents, and Jack Kirsch was their first official initially formed with eleven agents, and Jack Kirsch was their first official chief. The initial BSU staff handpicked agents that seemed to have a knack chief. The initial BSU staff handpicked agents that seemed to have a knack for behavioral analysis. By 1977 the unit had a three-pronged purpose: for behavioral analysis. By 1977 the unit had a three-pronged purpose: crime scene analysis, profiling, and analysis of threatening letters. The crime scene analysis, profiling, and analysis of threatening letters. The Behavioral Science Unit, which was part of the Training Division, became Behavioral Science Unit, which was part of the Training Division, became the Behavioral Science Investigative Support Unit. Then in 1994, The the Behavioral Science Investigative Support Unit. Then in 1994, The Critical Incident Response Group (CIRG) integrated the FBI’s crisis Critical Incident Response Group (CIRG) integrated the FBI’s crisis management, behavioral, and tactical resources into one entity. The unit management, behavioral, and tactical resources into one entity. The unit again changed its name to the Investigative Support Unit. During this time again changed its name to the Investigative Support Unit. During this time the Director of the FBI created the Child Abduction and Serial Killer Unit. the Director of the FBI created the Child Abduction and Serial Killer Unit. So the unit had several multiple operation units which were: the Profiling So the unit had several multiple operation units which were: the Profiling and Behavioral Assessment Unit, Child Abduction Unit, and the Serial Killer and Behavioral Assessment Unit, Child Abduction Unit, and the Serial Killer Unit. Three years later it became the Behavioral Analysis Unit, East and Unit. Three years later it became the Behavioral Analysis Unit, East and West. The units were divided geographically east and west of the West. The units were divided geographically east and west of the Mississippi River. In 1999, based on the Protection of Children from Sexual Mississippi River. In 1999, based on the Protection of Children from Sexual Predators Act of 1998, the FBI received mandates for crimes against Predators Act of 1998, the FBI received mandates for crimes against children and serial murder, and the creation of the Child Abduction and children and serial murder, and the creation of the Child Abduction and Serial Murder Investigative Resource Center (CASMIRC). For a while, Serial Murder Investigative Resource Center (CASMIRC). For a while, CISMIRC was a training and research entity supporting the BAU East and CISMIRC was a training and research entity supporting the BAU East and West. West.

History Con’t.History Con’t. Then after 9/11 the BAU started to get more involved in counter-Then after 9/11 the BAU started to get more involved in counter-

terrorism responsibilities. So they restructured once again. Today, terrorism responsibilities. So they restructured once again. Today, the BAU is divided into Behavioral Analysis Unit 1 [counter-the BAU is divided into Behavioral Analysis Unit 1 [counter-terrorism and threat assessment], Behavior Analysis Unit 2 [crimes terrorism and threat assessment], Behavior Analysis Unit 2 [crimes against adults], Behavioral Analysis Unit 3 [crimes against against adults], Behavioral Analysis Unit 3 [crimes against children] and the VICAP unit, which was separate from the Profiling children] and the VICAP unit, which was separate from the Profiling and Behavioral Assessment Unit for a few years before the and Behavioral Assessment Unit for a few years before the restructure. The BAU decided to restructure itself by crime restructure. The BAU decided to restructure itself by crime problem rather than geographically, that way they can have a problem rather than geographically, that way they can have a concentration of personnel in each unit that has specialized concentration of personnel in each unit that has specialized training and experience in their areas of responsibility. The BAU training and experience in their areas of responsibility. The BAU moved out of the Academy in 1997. Eventually the NCAVC and moved out of the Academy in 1997. Eventually the NCAVC and CIRG were moved to the same area as the BAU. For awhile the CIRG were moved to the same area as the BAU. For awhile the BSU did not exist like it did in 1972, but eventually the Training BSU did not exist like it did in 1972, but eventually the Training Division recreated the Behavioral Science Unit. The BAU Division recreated the Behavioral Science Unit. The BAU collaborates with the BSU on research and training matters. But collaborates with the BSU on research and training matters. But the BSU is primarily involved in training and research mostly at the BSU is primarily involved in training and research mostly at the National Academy level and are not operationally involved in the National Academy level and are not operationally involved in the cases as the BAU is; this has became a source of confusion the cases as the BAU is; this has became a source of confusion because that is the name of the program where all of these because that is the name of the program where all of these programs all started from.programs all started from.

The EndThe End