The Fbi Top 10 Most Wanted Program

On February 7, 1949, an article titled “FBI's Most Wanted Fugitives Named” appeared in the Washington Daily News. It was written by a reporter from United Press International after he had contacted the FBI and asked for information on the “toughest guys” the FBI was searching for. The FBI provided the information in the hope that the publicity would [Page 177]help capture these dangerous offenders. Much to the delight of director J. Edgar Hoover, the list created a sensation. Because of the initial success, the FBI “10 Most Wanted Fugitives” program was developed, and a year later, on March 14, 1950, the first list was published. The 10 Most Wanted List originally appeared on bulletin boards of public buildings, but with the advent of more ...