The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is the primary investigative arm of the United States Department of Justice. Within the FBI, criminal profilers, also known as criminal investigative analysts, play a crucial role in analyzing violent crimes to develop profiles that help law enforcement narrow down suspects. These experts work within the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU). The FBI's system of criminal profiling dates back to the 1980s and involves a six-step process.
The process involves analyzing evidence from crime scenes and statements from victims and witnesses to develop a description of an unknown offender, including psychological factors, behavioral patterns, and demographic variables. FBI profilers use both inductive and deductive reasoning, strong intuition, analytical skills, and an understanding of criminal minds and psychology to create profiles. They consider various factors, such as whether the victim's body was posed, sexual acts were performed before or after death, and whether cannibalism or mutilation occurred.
To become an FBI profiler, a bachelor's degree is required, and a relevant field like psychology, sociology, or criminology is recommended. Many profilers hold a master's or doctorate degree in a psychology-related field. FBI agents are expected to work at least 50 hours a week and be available on-call 24 hours a day.