How to Start a Career as a Criminal Profiler
Most Criminal Profilers work under the FBI and hold the title of special agent.
Technically, the FBI does have positions with the title of Criminal Profiler, which generally are special agents under the NVCAVC or National Analysis of Violent Crime at Quantico, Virginia who work to construct certain profiles of unidentified offenders and also offering advice on case management, assistance in assessing threats, and interview strategies to all enforcement agencies, local and abroad.
Criminal Profiler Job Duties
A Criminal Profiler is someone who looks into the nature of crimes committed and the process or methods that were used to commit such crimes. The profiler constructs a psychological profile that will help identify the criminals involved. “Criminal Personality” and “Offender Profiling” are other terms to describe the job. A typical day for an NCAVC agent will vary.
Work days at the Quantico headquarters include preparing paperwork for presentations to be made for law enforcement agencies both local and abroad, or doing research in cases such as serial crimes. An NCAVC agent will not only construct criminal profiles but will also assist in investigations, conduct interviews, review the crime scene photos, conduct threat evaluations, and coordinate strategies with the prosecutors.
Criminal Profiler Education and Training
If you want to become a Criminal Profiler, the FBI academy at Quantico, Virginia offers the most reputable and competitive training programs in criminal profiling. Their program is highly challenging due to its selective process.
There are no specific requirements in education to become an NCAVC agent. But to work for the agency, you must first become an FBI agent. To be eligible, you must be a US citizen and between the ages of 23-27. Job positions in the NCAVC will prefer those holding degrees in Forensics or Behavioral Science. However, previous experience as an FBI agent will weigh more. So despite the NCAVC not requiring a specific degree, it will be more beneficial for you if you major in Criminal Justice, Forensics, or Psychology. Preferably, obtain a master’s or doctorate degrees as well.
Criminal Profiler Job Prospets and Salary
As mentioned, the first step towards becoming an NCAVC agent is landing a job as an FBI agent. Before becoming an NCAVC agent, you must have at least 3 years of work experience as an FBI agent. Those interested in criminal profiling should work on cases that involve kidnappings, homicides, and rapes.
The average salary of a Criminal Profiler is $60,000 per year. Salaries of Criminal Profiler salaries will vary greatly and will depend on company or agency, geographic location, specific industry, work experience and benefits.
