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I want to work in the BAU but I need some guidance

So, I've tried to look up tons of stuff about the different unit, descriptions of stuff they do, etc. I can't seem to find the answers to a lot of my questions though. Fair warning, there are a lot. So to start, which unit deals with the most cases? Which unit deals with the serial killers, unusual crimes, serial kidnappings? Do BAU agents deal/help with the apprehension of criminals? How often, on average, do the agents travel? Does having a major in psychology and a minor in criminal justice along with time in the air force give me a step up into getting into the BAU? What are somethings that the FBI in general looks at when hiring people? What would be the fastest way to get into the BAU? #criminal-justice #psychology #law #BAU #FBI #law-enforcement

psychology law criminal-justice law-enforcement fbi bau
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Sydney’s Answer

Hi Anisa! It's great that you are asking so many questions about a job you'd like to have. I don't have all of the answers, but I have been able to find some online. It looks like the BAU is split into 5 sections. Unit 1 focuses on counterterrorism, arson, and bombings. Unit 2 is dedicated to cyber crimes, threats, and corruption. Units 3 focuses on crimes against children and unit 4 on crimes against adults. The fifth unit focuses on research and strategy. So, any of these could involve serial killers and unusual crimes. kidnapping would probably fall into units 3 and 4. Unit 5 seems more like a research unit, they probably look into all types of cases and try to make the BAU better as a whole.
BAU agents do not actually apprehend criminals. They research, hypothesize, and plan and then give their advice to law enforcement officers who are in charge of actually making arrests.
From what I can tell, BAU agents do not do much travel, about 90% of their work is desk work in the FBI headquarters.
"Profilers" are actually criminal psychologists. Studying psychology/criminal psychology/criminal justice is definitely the way to go if you want to end up in the BAU. I should add that you can really only become a BAU agent after working elsewhere in the FBI for at least 5 years. To do that, you have to go through the FBI's selective testing process after you have graduated from college and worked for 3 years.
When hiring people, the FBI looks for experience in law enforcement/criminal psychology/military or computer science.

The fastest way to get into the BAU would be to complete your bachelor's degree and be involved in an FBI undergraduate program (here is a link for more info: https://www.fbijobs.gov/students/undergrad). If you pay close attention and work with the FBI while you are in college, you will be able to find the fastest way to get a job there. If you are really interested in working for the FBI, I suggest looking into the FBI Honors Interns program.

I hope this helps and please comment if you have more questions!
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Thomas’s Answer

Can't add anything to the previous answer it was pretty much the advice I was going to suggest.
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Harold’s Answer

I don't know how you would apply to the BAU. I do not to get into the FBI you must have a bachelors degree. The exam is difficult. That's all I know.
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DENNIS’s Answer

I agree with Thomas -Sydney nailed it! At this point, stay in school. Majors of psychology or criminal justice will help but in the end your first hurdle is getting into the FBI. Keep out of trouble, stay in good physical shape, learn a second or third language and read as much as possible. Go to the link Sydney suggested and try to get involved just with the FBI to start = once there the path may lead you elsewhere but you'd be in the running and once there the possibilities are endless! GOOD LUCK!
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