When asked about the types of crimes that lend themselves to the use of an FBI profiler, Rugala replied that his unit specializes in cases where there is a close interaction between an offender and a victim, since it is the reaction that produces behavior in that interaction which becomes the basis for assessing and developing an offender's personality characteristics. He notes that a serial rape case is an example of the type of crime in which the unit would become involved. In describing how prosecutors can request the assistance of the unit, Rugala advises that the first step is to contact the field coordinator in the nearest FBI field office, which will in turn notify the unit at the FBI Academy. When queried about the role of offender profiles in the solving of a case, Rugala advises that a profile is just "one tool in the toolbox." The role of the profile is to narrow the focus of the investigation when there is a large pool of possible suspects. Rugala's unit is also involved in studies related to behaviors that may be predictive of homicide in domestic violence cases.