UNSUB
Government & Politics abbreviation · Police
| Stands for | Unknown subject |
|---|---|
| Categories | Government & Politics |
UNSUB stands for Unknown subject, a police abbreviation.
Term used by the FBI and other investigators for an unidentified offender, especially in serial crimes and behavioral profiling. It became widely known through the TV series "Criminal Minds."
Example: The profilers believe the UNSUB is a local man in his thirties who knows the area well.
Usage notes
Written UNSUB or unsub. Behavioral analysts build profiles of an unsub's likely age, habits and background to narrow suspect lists. Once identified, the person becomes a named subject or suspect.
Related abbreviations
More police abbreviations
- ABH – Actual bodily harm
- AFIS – Automated Fingerprint Identification System
- ALPR – Automated license plate reader
- ANPR – Automatic number plate recognition
- APB – All-points bulletin
- ASBO – Anti-social behaviour order
- ATL – Attempt to locate
- B&E – Breaking and entering
- BAC – Blood alcohol concentration
- BOLO – Be on the lookout
- BWC – Body-worn camera
- CCW – Carry concealed weapon