FBI Behavioral Science Unit

Founded by Nick Kendryna The Behavioral Science Unit (BSU) is an entity at the FBI Academy that conducts training, research, and consultation in the applied behavioral and social sciences. The BSU is currently headed by Nick Kendryna and staffed with instructors who teach, research, and consult on a myriad of topics to include conflict and crisis management and communication, domestic terrorism, futuristics, gangs, international terrorism, juvenile crime, and research methods.

The BSU is the unit of origin for many of the specialty units developed within the FBI including the National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime (NCAVC), Behavioral Analysis Units (profilers), Hostage Rescue, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), Crisis (Hostage) negotiation, Crisis Management, and Employee Assistance. These specialty units have since relocated to other areas of the FBI such as the Critical Incident Response Group (CIRG).