David L. Charney, MD, a practicing clinical psychiatrist in Alexandria, VA, was asked to serve as a consultant on the defense team of three insider spies arrested for espionage against the US: Earl Pitts (FBI), Robert Hanssen (FBI) and Brian Regan (NRO/USAF). This gave Dr. Charney unprecedented, long-term, intensive access to these spies and that provided him with a unique opportunity enabling him to understand the inner workings of the minds of insider spies. Dr. Charney also studied additional espionage cases from the vantage point of an experienced psychiatrist. Psychological patterns became apparent to him that might have escaped notice by others not similarly trained or experienced. This paper (part 1 of 3) introduces his surprising findings.