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The FBI Behavioral Science Unit (BSU) founded the BSU Evil Minds Research Museum in 2008 with the mission to "study serial killer and other offender artifacts for the purpose of developing a deeper understanding of offender motivation, personality, and intent in order to assist and enhance investigative strategies and techniques." Simply put, the vision of the museum is to assist in mitigating and preventing future victimization through understanding the meaning behind offender behavior.
The BSU Evil Minds Research Museum is located in the basement of the FBI National Academy. Access to the museum is limited to law enforcement personnel, special guests of BSU, or other designated persons by appointment only. This approach is used - first and foremost - out of respect for the dignity of the victims of these horrible crimes and to ensure that the offenders are not glamorized.
History
In December 2008, Dr. Gregory M. Vecchi, unit chief of the BSU, received a call from a man who was not involved in law enforcement, but claimed to have studied serial killers for over 25 years and thus had a valuable "collection" of serial killer items such as paintings, artwork, and correspondence, which he wanted to donate to the BSU. After several telephone conversations, Dr. Vecchi made arrangements to have the items picked up from the man by local field agents. Upon receipt of the items, it was...