
An elite squad of FBI profilers analyzes the country's most-twisted criminal minds, anticipating the perpetrators' next moves before they can strike again. Each member of the "mind hunter" team brings his or her expertise to pinpoint predators' motivations and identify emotional triggers to stop them. The core group includes an official profiler who is highly skilled at getting into the minds of criminals, a quirky genius, the former media liaison who manages to adeptly balance family life and the job, and a computer wizard.

Soon after the BAU steps in to help local law enforcement isolate a suspect for a murder, a second person who is related to the first victim is killed under similar circumstances; Prentiss is concerned about Garcia's behavior.

Hotch is arrested by a SWAT team and suspected of conspiracy; when the team members scramble to prove Hotch's innocence, they discover a larger plot may be on the horizon.

While conducting a profiling course on his birthday, Rossi gets a call from serial killer Tommy Yates, who gives him the location of his latest victim.

The team investigates when home invasions involving casualties strike upscale neighborhoods in San Diego.