The FBI answers your questions about becoming a \"Profiler\"
In addition to constructing "profiles" (descriptions of the traits and characteristics of unknown offenders in specific cases), the NCAVC staff provides many services to law enforcement agencies around the world. These services include major case management advice; threat assessment; and strategies for investigation, interviewing, or prosecution.
What is an average day like for an NCAVC Special Agent? One of the attractions of the position, and indeed most FBI jobs, is that there is no "average" day. Many days might be spent in a normal office setting, working about 10 hours per day. The Special Agents might review crime scene photos and case materials to prepare an analysis for the requesting agency. Perhaps investigators or prosecutors meet with a group of Special Agents to discuss their cases. On any given day, emergency calls from FBI offices, local police, prosecutors, etc., interrupt a Special Agent's plans. When an emergency call comes in, a group of Special Agents familiar with the type of case involved might gather for a telephone conference with the requesting agency.
NCAVC Special Agents and Professional Support staff also share results of research and general information about the unit and services through presentations to such audiences as professional conferences or law enforcement training programs. Staff members publish articles in professional journals regarding research and practices of the NCAVC.
What basic requirements do I need to join the NCAVC? You do not complete training (at Quantico, Virginia), and instantly get assigned to the NCAVC. One of the basic requirements is that you must have served as an FBI Special Agent for 3 years, but because the positions are so competitive, individuals selected usually possess 8 to 10 years of experience as a Special Agent. The NCAVC employs Special Agents with a variety of backgrounds; however, the most important qualifications include overall experience as an investigator specializing in violent crimes, particularly homicides, rapes, child abductions, and threats.
What type of degree is preferred for NCAVC Special Agent positions? The jobs within the NCAVC typically require experience and demonstrated abilities as a Special Agent rather than specific degree majors. There are usually no set degree criteria, although job advertisements typically list an advanced degree in a Behavioral or Forensic Science as a "preferred qualification." Applicants interested in eventual employment with the FBI's NCAVC should pursue a degree in the discipline that most interests them. Remember, becoming a Special Agent does not guarantee eventual assignment to the NCAVC.
What type of training is available or required for NCAVC staff once they are selected? Staff members are strongly encouraged to take classes and attend training that will enhance their work products. Periodically, a structured training program of more than 500 hours is run for newly assigned personnel. Special Agents and Professional Support staff join professional associations and actively participate in annual conferences. Through a monthly "staff development program," prominent speakers are brought in for a day of discussion on topics of interest.
I do not want to be a Special Agent, but I do want to work in the Unit. What Professional Support positions are available? One of the missions of the NCAVC is to conduct research into violent crime from a law enforcement perspective. Of primary interest to researchers is how the offenders in the study committed their crimes and how they avoided detection, identification, apprehension, and conviction.
Professional Support staff are integral members of the research teams within the NCAVC. These positions include Intelligence Research Specialists, Violent Crime Resource Specialists, and Crime Analysts. Qualifications for the Professional Support positions will vary with the specific job, but most require a solid foundation in research and analysis.
The NCAVC also hires Major Case Specialists. These GS-14 jobs require a background in investigations and are generally held by retired police officers with experience in interpersonal crimes, particularly homicide.