After reviewing its origins, the article outlines current criteria governing cases accepted into the VICAP. VICAP cases include all solved or unsolved homicides, missing persons where homicide is suspected, and unidentified dead bodies where the manner of death is suspected to be homicide. The VICAP staff looks for patterns by analyzing criminal method, victimology, physical evidence, suspect description, and suspect behavior. Problems encountered in the system's first 6 months are examined, as are consequent changes made in the system. The VICAP Crime Analysis Report form released in July 1986 is both shorter and simpler than the original. Most of the 15 pages are checklists which can be completed in 15-20 minutes. The article details procedures designed to protect the security of cases entered in the VICAP. The new VICAP report form is included.