Moodus Operandi Vs. Signature

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t is quite easy to confuse the meaning of modus operandi and signature. Both are similar in nature but differ in their execution. When it comes to a criminal’s modus operandi, it reflects “how” the crime was committed. In other words, modus operandi is the collection of choices and behaviors that help criminals complete their objectives (Turvey, 2011). These choices and behaviors are taught, modified and evolved through criminal experiences. For example, a burglar has started using a lock pick to open doors for home invasions since breaking windows with a crowbar has alerted the home owners. However, MO can also deteriorate over time due to substance abuse and mental degradation. For example, a 10 years veteran thief was arrested for burglary for attempting to rob a store while under the influence of drugs. …show more content…

Some have developed dark fantasies so compelling that they acted upon them during the commission of the crime. These acts go way beyond the action needed to commit the crime. The outcome from these acts displays of a unique and personalized signature or “calling card” left at the scene or on the victim. They are to fulfil the need of an offender’s emotional desires and are significant personality identifiers that can help identify an offender (Ebisike, 2007). For example, after a sympathetic rapist rapes his victims, he kisses them on the forehead and begs for their forgiveness. If a modus operandi is the “how” in committing a crime, a signature is an uncontrollable extra step in the commission a crime; which is the reason why a signature will never change. However, a signature can evolve over time (Douglas, 1992). For example, a sadist intensifies his use of burning his victims’ flesh with a torch to get an erection instead of using

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