NOVEL NEXT Chapter : The Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU)
Overview
The Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) represents A.T.L.A.S.'s premier psychological operations division. Operating at Level 7 clearance, these elite profilers and analysts handle the most complex and psychologically challenging cases facing the organization. The unit combines cutting-edge behavioral science with traditional investigative techniques to understand, predict, and counter various threats.
Mission Statement
"To provide behavioral-based investigative and operational support through case experience, analysis, and behavioral research to complex and time-sensitive crimes worldwide."
Core Functions
Primary Operations
- Criminal profiling
- Behavioral analysis
- Threat assessment
- Pattern recognition
- Psychological warfare
- Interview strategy
- Crisis negotiation
Program Areas
1. Crimes Against Children
2. Crimes Against Adults
3. Communicated Threats
4. Corruption
5. Bombing and Arson
6. Serial Crimes
7. International Terrorism
Organizational Structure
Command Hierarchy
1. Section Chief
- Emily Prentiss
- Strategic oversight
- Resource allocation
- Inter-agency liaison
- Policy development
- Team deployment
- Crisis management
- Performance evaluation
2. Unit Chief
- Jason Gideon
- Operational command
- Case selection
- Team leadership
- Methodology development
- Training oversight
- Quality control
- Strategic planning
3. Field Agents
- Aaron Hotchner - Field Operations Specialist
- Derek Morgan - Combat Specialist
- Dr. Spencer Reid - Intelligence Analysis
- David Rossi - Senior Profiler
- Jennifer Jareau - Communications Liaison
- Dr. Tara Lewis - Forensic Psychology
- Luke Alvez - Fugitive Tracking
Operational Methodology
Case Selection Criteria
- Serial nature of crimes
- Cross-jurisdictional elements
- Time sensitivity
- Psychological complexity
- National security implications
- Enhanced individual involvement
- International ramifications
Investigation Process
1. Initial Assessment
- Crime scene analysis
- Victim profile development
- Evidence evaluation
- Pattern identification
- Behavioral indicators
- Timeline construction
- Environmental factors
2. Profile Development
- Psychological assessment
- Behavioral analysis
- Motivation determination
- Method analysis
- Pattern recognition
- Prediction modeling
- Risk assessment
3. Operational Support
- Interview strategies
- Interrogation techniques
- Search patterns
- Evidence collection
- Scene reconstruction
- Witness assessment
- Tactical planning
Special Capabilities
Analytical Tools
- Advanced behavioral modeling
- Pattern recognition software
- Psychological profiling systems
- Database integration
- Timeline analysis
- Geographic profiling
- Linguistic analysis
Field Resources
- Mobile command centers
- Rapid response capability
- On-site analysis labs
- Secure communications
- Emergency response
- Technical support
- Tactical teams
Involvement Protocols
Activation Criteria
1. State/Local Authority Request
- Unable to progress case
- Limited resources
- Complex behavioral elements
- Cross-jurisdiction issues
- Enhanced threats
- Serial nature
- Time sensitivity
2. Federal Level Request
- National security threats
- Interstate crimes
- International elements
- Enhanced individuals
- Terrorist activity
- Political implications
- Complex organizations
3. International Operations
- Cross-border threats
- Diplomatic implications
- International cooperation
- Global security
- Terrorist networks
- Criminal organizations
- Enhanced threats
Specialized Programs
Child Abduction Response Plan
- Rapid deployment
- First hour protocols
- Search coordination
- Family liaison
- Media management
- Resource allocation
- Recovery operations
Counter-Terrorism Operations
- Threat assessment
- Behavioral prediction
- Network analysis
- Prevention strategies
- Response planning
- Intelligence gathering
- International coordination
Serial Crime Analysis
- Pattern recognition
- Behavioral profiling
- Geographic mapping
- Victim analysis
- Method study
- Timeline development
- Prediction modeling
Training and Development
Internal Training
- Behavioral science
- Investigative techniques
- Psychological profiling
- Interview strategies
- Evidence analysis
- Tactical operations
- Crisis management
External Training
- Law enforcement agencies
- Intelligence services
- International partners
- Security organizations
- Investigation units
- Tactical teams
- Emergency services
Research Programs
Behavioral Science
- Criminal psychology
- Enhanced individual behavior
- Pattern analysis
- Motivation studies
- Method evolution
- Predictive modeling
- Prevention strategies
Operational Research
- Investigation techniques
- Interview methods
- Evidence collection
- Scene analysis
- Tactical approach
- Response strategies
- Resource utilization
Documentation Standards
Case Files
- Detailed profiling
- Evidence documentation
- Interview transcripts
- Analysis reports
- Timeline construction
- Pattern identification
- Recommendation documentation
Research Records
- Methodology development
- Pattern analysis
- Behavioral studies
- Technical innovations
- Statistical analysis
- Prediction models
- Prevention strategies
Inter-Agency Cooperation
Domestic Partners
- Law enforcement
- Intelligence agencies
- Security services
- Research institutions
- Government organizations
- Emergency services
- Support agencies
International Relations
- Foreign agencies
- International organizations
- Law enforcement
- Intelligence services
- Research institutions
- Security services
- Support networks
The BAU represents A.T.L.A.S.'s commitment to understanding and countering complex threats through behavioral analysis and psychological insight. Their work provides crucial support to operations worldwide while advancing the field of behavioral science and investigation techniques.