Unsub?

Post Reply New Topic

Anyone heard the word "unsub"? I'm watching an American FBI series and the agents always refer to the suspect they are seeking as the unsub. Anyone know the origin of this word?

It's feeb-speak for "unknown subject"; I believe the term originated in criminal profiling, but has since trickled down to law enforcement generally. I think the idea is to avoid prejudicing the investigation by using any descriptors like gender or race before they have that information.

'Unknown Subject'.

There was a T.V. series fifteen to twenty years ago by that name, starring David Soul...quite a good show.

Sylkat

Thanks guys. I'm clued up now. It has been bugging me for a week or two every time they use that word.