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Modus Operandi

Vernon Geberth defines modus operandi (MO) as a way of doing things or a mode of operation used by those who commit crimes (1996: 850). He states that the modus operandi is a learned behavior that changes as an offender gains experience, builds confidence, or becomes involved with the criminal justice system. A simple explanation of modus operandi is that it is the combined behaviors committed by an offender for the purpose of successfully completing an offense. From an experiential point of view, it is the method criminals use to commit a crime that they find both practical and successful over a period of time. The adoption of a preferred method depends on many factors. Some include the potential gain, the ease of entry or approach, the time required at the scene, the chances of discovery, the rate of success, and the means of escape. Not all crime types lend themselves to the MO analysis. For example, many single homicides tend to be spontaneous in nature, and therefore compiling an MO for such investigations may have limited application. The MO specifically describes how a person commits a crime, and is quite separate from a “criminal signature,” which is the peculiar and unique things a person does at a crime scene.

A signature is something that is done at the scene that is not necessary in order to carry out the commission of the offense. Examples of a signature could include an offender defecating at the scene of a crime, drinking liquor belonging to the victim, or leaving some kind of a message. In many sexually motivated crimes, signatures may be described as the ritualistic aspects of the crime.

Relationship between Modus Operandi, Profiling, and Crime Signature

Criminal profiling, the study of the method of operation, and the study of crime signatures are all designed to enhance investigative abilities and methods by providing investigators with a variety of useful information. Criminal investigative analysis (CIA) is a term that has been coined to replace the term criminal profiling. It was coined to differentiate the process from psychological profiling and criminal personality profiling, which are used by mental health professionals. The CIA is an umbrella term for several services provided by forensic behaviorists.

A “profile” refers to the characteristics and traits of an unknown offender. Profiles at a minimum include estimates of approximate age, sex, race, marital status, occupation, hobbies, appearance, residence type, intelligence, emotional state, and the ability to interact socially and sexually. Crime analysts consider the MO, but generally rely on “signatures” to link crimes together. From an offender's point of view, the practical aspects of a particular method of operation are to (1) protect the offender's identity, (2) ensure success, and (3) facilitate escape. Some authorities feel that the MO is valuable in sex-related offenses only for a period of three to four months, because an MO appears to evolve and change. It is thought that such changes result from experience the offender gains after committing several crimes, education from others while incarcerated, media coverage of like crimes, or discussions with other offenders. A crime signature, however, does not change much over time, because it seems to meet the offender's motivationally driven fantasies.

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