NCJ Number
202042
Date Published
2003
Length
436 pages
Annotation
This book discusses the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Behavioral Science Unit.
Abstract
The Behavioral Science Unit (BSU) was established during the early 1970's to fight the greatest onslaught of violent crime in United States history. In the mid-1970's, the number of cases received for profiling by the BSU increased dramatically. Fifty-five Special Agents were selected from various offices within the FBI and provided 100 hours of instruction to prepare them as profile co-coordinators within their respective geographic regions. One of the BSU unit’s missions is to develop and provide relevant programs of training, research, and consultation in the behavioral and social sciences for the law enforcement community that will improve their administrative and operational effectiveness. Another mission is to create bodies of knowledge in specialty areas and conduct applied research on significant behavioral and social science law enforcement issues for use in training, consultation, and operational matters. A final mission is to provide consultation services to law enforcement upon request. A select number of cases are highlighted, including serial killer cases, the UNABOMBER case, and the USS Iowa explosion. The BSU and police psychology are discussed. One chapter shows various crises within the FBI and how the BSU unit faced them while counseling fellow agents. The BSU focuses upon developing new and innovative investigative approaches and techniques for the solution of violent crime by studying the violent offender and his/her behavior and motivation. Bibliography, appendices, photos