The FBI behavioral unit at Quantico has had its hand in many cases over the  years. Sometimes it has been right on and other times — not even close.  It may be a science, but it’s impossible to be right all the time.

BY JENNIFER SINCO KELLEHER
Newsday
Before they ever made an arrest, Nassau police used the help of a small, highly trained FBI behavioral unit to work up a psychological profile of an arsonist they say started a fire that killed four in Lawrence last month.

Later, they arrested Caleb Lacey, the volunteer firefighter who investigators now say set the blaze to gain glory as a hero.

Police departments nationwide and around the world have used the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit in Quantico, Va. It has helped in other arson investigations as well as serial rape and extortion cases, among others, FBI officials said.

James McNamara, a supervisory special agent in the unit, said 60 percent of cases come from local and state police. Eight agents handle all adult crimes in the United States and abroad, he said. Because the Lawrence probe is ongoing, he would not provide specifics on how his unit helped Nassau police.

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