Behavioral science is all about better understanding criminals and terrorists—who they are, how they think, why they do what they do—as a means to help solve crimes and prevent attacks.
The art of what is sometimes called “profiling”—popularized in movies like Silence of the Lambs—was developed by FBI behavioral analysts and has been around for years. The Bureau began to more systematically apply the insights of psychological science to criminal behavior in the early 1970s.
Today, we have a team of professionals at the FBI Academy who teach the tenets of behavioral science around the world. Part of the Behavioral Science Unit (BSU), they provide cutting edge training, high-impact research, and consultation in the behavioral sciences in support of the FBI’s mission and the work of the broader law enforcement and intelligence communities. They also work closely with our National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime and the Personnel Recovery Coordination Group of our Critical Response Group.
Who makes up the unit.
Supervisory special agents and veteran police officers with advanced degrees in the behavioral science disciplines of psychology, criminology, sociology, and conflict resolution. The unit also includes a criminologist, clinical psychologist, research/crime analysts, and management analyst.
What they teach.
Topics include applied behavioral science for law enforcement operations; applied criminology; bio-psycho social aspects of criminal behavior; conflict and crisis management/communication; futuristics in law enforcement; juvenile crime and behavior; management of death investigations; psycho-social behavior and mindset of gangs; spirituality, wellness, and vitality issues in law enforcement; stress management in law enforcement; and mindset and methodology of terrorism. The unit also instructs new agents in psychopathology; problem-solving and crisis intervention; memory and perception; gangs; and group dynamics.
Who they teach.
National Academy students, new agents, on-board FBI personnel, domestic and international law enforcement officers, U.S. military and intelligence officers, and other governmental and academic personnel as deemed appropriate.
How to request Behavioral Science training.
Submit a request in writing in coordination with your local field office. The unit’s training commitments are based on resource availability and FBI and training priorities.
Research performed by the BSU.
The unit focuses on developing new and innovative investigative approaches and techniques to solve crimes by studying offenders and their behaviors and motivations, collectively known as Perpetrator-Motive Research Design. Some of this research is conducted in partnership with outside researchers and through interagency agreements with the Department of Justice and its Office of Justice Programs. Some current research initiatives include: global hostage-taking research and analysis project; homicide clearance; reliability and validity of official crime statistics; gangs and gang violence; emerging technologies and policing; future of law enforcement, guidelines for interviewing juveniles; countering terrorism; juvenile crime; and spirituality and the law.
The Futures Working Group.
The Behavioral Science Unit also leads the collaboration with the Futures Working Group, a partnership of the Society of Police Futurists International and the FBI. The purpose of the Futures Working Group is to develop and encourage others to develop forecasts and strategies to maximize the effectiveness of local, state, federal, and international law enforcement as they strive to maintain peace and security in the 21st century.
Interested in an internship with the BSU?
The unit offers full-time unpaid internship opportunities to qualified students during spring and fall semesters and participates in the FBI’s Honors Internship Program. See the Student Center on the FBI Jobs website for more details.
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