Most Wanted List

On March 14, 1950, the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) began its "Ten Most Wanted Fugitives" list to increase law enforcement's ability to capture dangerous fugitives. It continues to maintain a public list of the people it regards as the ten most wanted fugitives . The list itself has no particular ranking. It is commonly posted in public places such as post offices. Listed fugitives have been known to turn themselves in upon becoming aware of their listing. As of February 2006, 480 names that have appeared on the list since its inception (7 of them women), 451 have been apprehended, including 147 nabbed as a direct result of tips from the public.

The Internet has made the list even more universal, since it can be seen all over the world in a matter of seconds.

The FBI also maintains a list of Most Wanted Terrorists , along with FBI Crime Alerts , Missing Persons , and other fugitives. The only real way to get off the list is to die or be captured. Osama Bin Laden is on the list.

FYI... Each symbol and color in the FBI seal has special significance. The dominant blue field of the seal and the scales on the shield represent justice. The endless circle of 13 stars denotes unity of purpose as exemplified by the original 13 states. The laurel leaf has, since early civilization, symbolized academic honors, distinction and fame. There are exactly 46 leaves in the two branches, since there were 46 states in the Union when the FBI was founded in 1908. The significance of the red and white parallel stripes lies in their colors. Red traditionally stands for courage, valor, strength, while white conveys cleanliness, light, truth, and peace. As in the American Flag, the red bars exceed the white by one. The motto, " Fidelity, Bravery, Integrity," succinctly describes the motivating force behind the men and women of the FBI. The peaked beveled edge which circumscribes the seal symbolizes the severe challenges confronting the FBI and the ruggedness of the organization. The gold color in the seal conveys its over-all value.