2 answers
Gabrielle
Student
Mechanicsville, Virginia
1
Question
Asked
1224 views
How do I become a criminal profiler?
I am currently studying for my Masters in Criminal Justice and Security Administration and I have a bachelors in psychology. The end goal for my career track is to be a FBI profiler. However, I'm struggling to find where to start on my career path. I am not looking for a law enforcement position, though I'm not fully opposed. I am mostly interested in positions that allow me to observe and analyze behavior. Any and all help is appreciated! #criminaljustice #criminalprofiler #criminalinvestigator #career-paths #career-path #career-options #career #lawenforcement #FBI #FBIprofiler #Quantico
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2 answers
Hassan Al
Product Management Professional
372
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Hassan’s Answer
I'd start at https://www.fbijobs.gov/career-paths to explore FBI job options. According to https://maryellenotoole.com/meo/becominganfbiprofiler/ you'd have to become an agent before trying to specialize in profiling/behavior analysis. I'd assume that such positions go to people that have a Master or PHD in Psychology.
I'd expect that larger policy departments would also have criminal profiler type of positions but I found very few job postings https://www.glassdoor.com/Job/criminal-profiler-jobs-SRCH_KO0,17.htm.
I'd expect that larger policy departments would also have criminal profiler type of positions but I found very few job postings https://www.glassdoor.com/Job/criminal-profiler-jobs-SRCH_KO0,17.htm.
Nick McGregor
Law Enforcement
35
Answers
Denton, Texas
Updated
Nick’s Answer
Hello Gabrielle,
Depending on the location, some Criminal Profiling positions may be non-sworn civilian employees. However, in my experience, most are Licensed Psychologists. So, operating in this special field will require extensive training and experience.
However, Crime Analysts are often utilized just as much, if not more, and the positions are much more broad in nature. With an educational background in Criminology, applying for a civilian Crime Analyst position should be well-suited. From there, you can learn more to direct your career path through on-the-job training, in-service education, and other learning opportunities.
Post-COVID, check out The FBI Experience in Washington DC. It was an in-depth look at the agency, and answered many recruiting questions.
https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/fbi-headquarters/the-fbi-experience#:~:text=The%20FBI%20Experience%20is%20a%20self-guided%20tour%20at,of%20the%20Bureau’s%20work%20to%20protect%20the%20nation.
Research Crime Analyst careers
Seek additional education to narrow your specialty
Visit the FBI Experience
Depending on the location, some Criminal Profiling positions may be non-sworn civilian employees. However, in my experience, most are Licensed Psychologists. So, operating in this special field will require extensive training and experience.
However, Crime Analysts are often utilized just as much, if not more, and the positions are much more broad in nature. With an educational background in Criminology, applying for a civilian Crime Analyst position should be well-suited. From there, you can learn more to direct your career path through on-the-job training, in-service education, and other learning opportunities.
Post-COVID, check out The FBI Experience in Washington DC. It was an in-depth look at the agency, and answered many recruiting questions.
https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/fbi-headquarters/the-fbi-experience#:~:text=The%20FBI%20Experience%20is%20a%20self-guided%20tour%20at,of%20the%20Bureau’s%20work%20to%20protect%20the%20nation.
Nick recommends the following next steps: