CRIMINAL CHARACTERISTICS

Modus Operandi and Signature

Modus Operandi and Signature

What is the difference between an MO and a signature?

Modus Operandi (MO) is a Latin word which means the method of operation. It means the techniques, strategies and tools used by the criminal while committing a criminal activity. Modus Operandi of a criminal changes and is modified as per his experiences. It is described as patterns of repetitive activities which are devised through a thought process and behaviors that proceed after and during the criminal activity. A criminal can utilize specific weapons, focus on individuals of specific demographics, and commit crimes on specific time of the day or a specific area or locality (Douglas et al, 1992). All of these support the modus operandi. It is the means of accomplishing or doing a certain task, in case of the criminal, it is his characteristics of devising a plan. Usually, the criminals become attached to their Modus Operandi, the repeatedly target the same kind of individuals, in the same neighborhood and in the same pattern.

A criminal signature, in contrast to MO, does not refer to the pattern or completion of a criminal activity. It refers to a specific personal touch which the criminal uses every time he commits the crime. For example a criminal always tortures his victim, stabs them repeatedly or taking away something as a souvenir or trophy or in some cases leaving behind a particular thing to indicate he has stroked again. These actions are motivated by fantasies of a killer and psychological needs (Keppel & Birnes, 1997). The signature of a criminal remains the same throughout unlike the MO. It is a criminal's way of personalizing his act.

Describe the background of each. For example, what are the driving forces or reasons behind a criminal's MO and signature?

The modus operandi has ...