On March 14, 2010, the FBI’s “Ten Most Wanted Fugitives” program turned 60 years old. The program, designed to publicize particularly dangerous fugitives who might not otherwise merit nationwide attention, has resulted in the apprehension of 152 of the “Ten Most Wanted Fugitives” due to public assistance over the course of its 60 years of existence.

According to the www.fbi.gov Web site, the program was launched after a 1949 newspaper article about the names and descriptions of the “toughest guys” the FBI would like to capture generated positive publicity.

All 56 FBI field offices submit candidates for the list and the nominees received are reviewed by special agents in the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division (CID) and the Office of Public Affairs at FBI Headquarters. The selection is forwarded to the CID’s assistant director for his or her approval and then to the FBI’s Deputy Director for final approval.

The criteria to be listed on the FBI’s “Ten Most Wanted Fugitives” list include:

• A lengthy record of committing serious crimes and/or be considered a particularly dangerous menace to society due to current criminal charges.
• It must be believed that the nationwide publicity afforded by the program can be of assistance in apprehending the fugitive, who, in turn, should not already be notorious due to other publicity.

The FBI’s latest "Ten Most Wanted Fugitives" list is available online, as are frequently asked questions about the program.

www.fbi.gov/wanted/topten/fugitives/fugitives.htm
www.fbi.gov/wanted/topten/tenfaq.htm