Behavioral Science Unit

Behavioral Science Unit (BSU) was one of the original instructional components of the FBI's Training Division at Quantico, Virginia. Its mission was to develop and provide programs of training, research, and consultation in the behavioral and social sciences for the Federal Bureau of Investigation and law enforcement community that would improve or enhance their administration, operational effectiveness, and understanding of violent crime. The BSU was established in 1972 at the FBI Academy and it was disbanded in 2014.

Through its legacy of training, research, and consultation activities, the BSU developed techniques, tactics, and procedures that have become a staple of behavioral-based programs that support the law enforcement, intelligence, and military communities. It is here where the term "serial killer" was coined and where criminal investigative analysis and "profiling" were developed. Many of these programs eventually developed into stand-alone programs, units, and centers such as the National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime (NCAVC), Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU), Undercover Safeguard Unit, Crisis Negotiation Unit, Hostage Rescue Team, and Employee Assistance Unit.

The mission of the BSU was to be the premier unit for developing and facilitating relevant programs of training, research, and consultation in the behavioral sciences for the FBI workforce, including the law enforcement, intelligence, and military communities that will improve their effectiveness in furtherance of the strategic priorities of the FBI. This is accomplished through the creation of innovative bodies of knowledge in specialty areas and applied research on significant behavioral science issues for use in training and consultation in support of academic, program, and operational matters. The BSU conducted specialized and applied training for new FBI Special Agents, Intelligence Analysts, and in-services; the FBI National Academy; domestic and international field schools; the criminal justice community; and national security-related organizations consistent with priorities and available resources.

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