LOS ANGELES, CA — Kirsten Vangsness, who stars as Penelope Garcia in the CBS drama "Criminal Minds," will also join the midseason series "Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior" as a series regular. Garcia, a computer wizard who helps research cases, will play the same role and support the "Suspect Behavior" BAU team headed up by Special Agent Sam Cooper, played by Academy Award-winner Forest Whitaker.

"In reality, the real BAU teams share analysts, so it made sense for us to combine the positions on TV," explained "Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior" Executive Producer Chris Mundy. "On a personal note, Kirsten is amazing, both personally and professionally. Her talent will make our new series that much better both on screen and behind the scenes."



"I'm super excited to be invited onto the series," said Vangsness. "The cast is astounding and I love playing this character."

"Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior" will star Forest Whitaker, Janeane Garofolo, Matt Ryan, Michael Kelly and Beau Garrett.

"Criminal Minds" and "Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior" are produced by ABC Television Studios in association with CBS Television Studios. The executive producers are Chris Mundy, Edward Allen Bernero, Mark Gordon and Deborah Spera.