Now Available: Proceedings of the 1999 meeting of the Homicide Research Working Group entitled, The Varieties of Homicide and its Research (in pdf format)

The Behavioral Science Unit is one of the instructional components of the FBI's Training Division at Quantico, Virginia. Its mission is to develop and provide programs of training, research, and consultation in the behavioral and social sciences for the FBI and law enforcement community that will improve or enhance their administration, operational effectiveness, and understanding of crime. This work includes conducting high-impact research and presenting a variety of cutting edge courses on topics such as Applied Criminal Psychology, Clinical Forensic Psychology, Community Policing and Problem-Solving Strategies, Crime Analysis, Death Investigation, Gangs and Gang Behavior, Interpersonal Violence, Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted in the Line of Duty, Research Methodology, Stress Management in Law Enforcement, and Violence in America.

Training requests by duly authorized law enforcement agencies, may be submitted in writing and coordinated with the local FBI field division. Behavioral Science Unit training commitments are based on FBI and divisional priorities and availability of resources.

The unit's personnel are primarily Supervisory Special Agents and experienced veteran police officers with advanced degrees in the behavioral science disciplines of psychology, criminology, and sociology. The Behavioral Science Unit professional personnel also include a forensic psychologist, research analyst, and a management analyst.

The Behavioral Science Unit conducts specialized and applied training in the above disciplines as they pertain to law enforcement for New Agents, FBI in-services and symposia, as well as for the FBI National Academy Program, international police officers, field police schools, and criminal justice-related organizations and conferences consistent with goals and objectives, and available resources.

In its research, the Behavioral Science Unit focuses on developing new and innovative investigative approaches and techniques to the solution of crime by studying the offender, and his/her behavior and motivation. Some of this research is conducted in partnership with outside researchers and through interagency agreements with the Office of Justice Programs, Department of Justice.

Domestic Violence by Police Officers In September 1998 a diverse group met at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, to share with the law enforcement community their expertise and differing perspectives in dealing with domestic violence by police officers. This conference formed the basis for the publication entitled, Domestic Violence by Police Officers, which is available for purchase through the Government Printing Office. This publication addresses many areas of concern, delineated problems, and suggested future research directions.

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

Qualified candidates for the Behavioral Science Unit are selected from employee applicants. The Behavioral Science Unit does not presently recruit from outside the FBI.

If you have specific questions regarding FBI employment opportunities, you may contact the Applicant Coordinator of the nearest FBI Field Office.