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This content has been automatically translated from Ukrainian.
When investigators start investigating a crime, they look not only for evidence, but also for the characteristic handwriting of the criminal – his modus operandi. It is a Latin expression that means "way of action". In forensics, he describes the habits, techniques, and techniques that a criminal uses to prepare, commit, and conceal a crime.
What is modus operandi and why is it needed?
Criminals, like any people, have their own habits. Some steal exclusively through the windows of the first floor, others – break the safes of a certain brand, and someone else always uses the same transport to escape. It is these repetitive actions that make up modus operandi.
It is important for criminologists, because it allows:
- Link crimes with each other. If multiple robberies were committed in the same way, the police may assume that the same person is behind them.
- Predict the behavior of the criminal. Knowing the modus operandi helps to predict his next actions and prevent new crimes.
- Find suspects. When police see familiar handwriting, they may narrow the search to individuals who have already used a similar method in the past.
Modus operandi vs. Criminal signature
Often modus operandi is confused with the so-called "signature". However, there is a key difference between them.
- Modus operandi <TAG1> is a rational method that the criminal uses to successfully commit a crime. It may vary depending on the circumstances and experience of the criminal. For example, first the robber breaks the window, and later begins to use locks.
- Signature <TAG1> is a psychological element of crime that does not affect its essence, but has a personal meaning for the criminal. For example, a serial killer may leave a flower next to the victim or draw something on the wall. This does not change the killing process itself, but is part of its personal motivation.
Evolution of modus operandi
Modus operandi rarely remains the same. Criminals learn and improve their methods by adapting to new challenges. For example, fraudsters who used to forge signatures on documents now use digital technology and phishing.
However, even when the techniques are changed, the general logic of their work remains. That is why investigators analyze not only specific actions, but also the style, motivation and choice of victims.
Known examples of modus operandi
🔎 Jack the Ripper (1888) – a murderer who operated in London always chose victims from among prostitutes, inflicted the same mutilations on them and hid in the dark.
🔎 Criminals acting in collusion <TAG1> for example, criminal groups involved in car theft may have a clear pattern: a thief, a driver who drives a car, and an intermediary who changes documents.
🔎 Phone cheating scammers <TAG1> they often call victims posing as relatives in distress, using emotional pressure and certain phrases (such as "Mom, I'm in the police").
How do law enforcement officers use modus operandi?
Modern technologies allow collecting and analyzing huge amounts of data about crimes. Criminal analysis systems and databases such as CODIS (genetic database) or VICAP (serial crime database in the US), help to link individual cases to each other.
Investigators also use psychological profiles created by criminal psychologists based on modus operandi. It helps predict who the criminal might be, what his social background, age, level of intelligence and even professional skills are.
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