What is an Unsub on Criminal Minds?
Criminal Minds is a popular crime drama television series that premiered in 2005. The show follows a team of FBI agents as they investigate and solve crimes in the United States. The team, known as the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU), is led by Supervisory Special Agent (SSA) Aaron Hotchner and includes a group of experts in the fields of psychology, behavioral science, and criminal profiling. One of the key elements of the show is the concept of the "unsub," a term used to describe the unknown perpetrator of a crime.
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What is an Unsub?
An unsub, short for "unknown subject," is a term used in the FBI and law enforcement to describe a perpetrator whose identity is unknown. The term is used to avoid using the term "rapist" or "killer," which can be dehumanizing and stigmatizing. The BAU team uses the term to refer to the unknown criminal who is the focus of their investigation.
Characteristics of an Unsub
Unsubs can come from a wide range of backgrounds and can exhibit different characteristics. Here are some common traits associated with Unsubs:
- Anonymous: Unsubs often keep their identities hidden, either by using pseudonyms or disguises or by failing to leave behind any traces of their identity.
- Cunning: Unsubs are often highly intelligent and cunning, using their intelligence to outsmart their victims and evade detection.
- Manipulative: Unsubs may use manipulation and gaslighting to control and influence their victims.
- Emotionally troubled: Many Unsubs are emotionally troubled and may be suffering from mental health issues such as narcissism, psychopathy, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Targeted: Unsubs may target specific individuals or groups, often with a motive that is rooted in a personal vendetta or fixation.
Examples of Unsubs on Criminal Minds
Throughout the series, the BAU team encounters numerous Unsubs, each with their own unique characteristics and motivations. Here are some examples:
- Cassidy Birch: The unsub in the pilot episode, "Extreme Necropsy," is a mentally unstable individual who targets family members of medical professionals who have performed abortions.
- The Fisher Boy: A serial killer who targets victims in a way that simulates a crime scene that is meant to resemble the work of a fictional detective.
- The Ritual Killer: A cult leader who uses ritualistic methods to kill his victims as part of a twisted faith-based ideology.
- The Reaper: A masked killer who targets victims and leaves behind a calling card with a skull and a scythe.
How the BAU Team Profiles Unsubs
The BAU team uses a range of techniques to profile and track down Unsubs. Some of the methods they use include:
- Physical Evidence: The team gathers physical evidence from crime scenes, such as DNA samples, fingerprints, and facial recognition data.
- Behavioral Analysis: The team analyzes the behavior and actions of the unsub, looking for patterns and connections that can help them identify their motivations and modus operandi.
- Surveillance: The team conducts surveillance on potential suspects, monitoring their movements and behavior to gather intelligence.
- Interviews: The team conducts interviews with potential witnesses and suspects, asking questions and gathering information that can help them build a profile of the unsub.
- Database Analysis: The team uses database analysis to search for connections between the unsub and other cases, looking for patterns and links that can help them identify their identity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, an unsub is a critical concept in the world of Criminal Minds. The BAU team uses a range of techniques to profile and track down Unsubs, gathering physical evidence, analyzing behavioral patterns, and conducting interviews to build a profile of the unknown perpetrator. As the team investigates and solves crimes, they often come face-to-face with emotionally troubled and manipulative Unsubs who will stop at nothing to achieve their twisted goals.
