The characteristic method or pattern of behavior an offender uses in committing a crime, used by investigators to link offenses to a common perpetrator or to narrow a suspect pool.
Facts
Connections
Sources
1. Siegel, Criminology: The Core
Larry J. Siegel, Cengage Learning
Saferstein, Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science
Richard Saferstein, Pearson
Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School: Modus Operandi (Wex Legal Dictionary)
Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law SchoolIn Group: Investigative Techniques and Methods, Page textQuote, In Group: Investigative Techniques and Methods, Page text
A Latin phrase meaning “mode of operating.” In criminal law , modus operandi refers to a method of operation or pattern of criminal behavior so distinctive that separate crimes or wrongful conduct are recognized as the work of the same person.
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