Modus operandi (MO) refers to a pattern of behavior used by a suspect in committing multiple crimes. It can be helpful in linking crimes and obtaining warrants or permits for investigation. MO is often used in investigations of serial killers, but can also be useful in apprehending other criminals. A strong MO argument is not always sufficient evidence, but analyzing evidence can uncover patterns. MO must be unique and have distinguishing properties to be effective.
The modus operandi, in the legal sense, can best be translated as a way of doing something. It is also called MO, and most people may be familiar with this term from the many legal or police dramas where it is used repeatedly. Typically, modus operandi in legalese refers to a similar pattern of doing things when someone is suspected of committing multiple crimes. If the suspect committed the crimes in the same way, it becomes easier to prove them all, even if the only link between some of the crimes is how they were committed. Individual jurisdictions determine specific evidence needed to charge individuals with ancillary crimes, and a strong MO argument is not always sufficient evidence, but it certainly can be sufficient evidence to further investigate a crime and obtain warrants or other permits to interrogate, or seize property to make a case.
Probably the most common examples of modus operandi are used when investigating serial killers. Many of them have specific habitual behaviors that they will use when committing crimes. They essentially leave a trail of clues that they have committed the same type of crime through highly ritualized behavior. This is how criminal investigators are able to link one crime to another, and by doing so, they may also be able to cast the net further, by looking at other criminal acts that appear similar and might warrant an investigation. Alternatively, if the person has not been caught, determining the modus operandi can lead to clues as to the identity of the killer.
Even when the crimes aren’t that serious, trying to find out the modus operandi can be helpful in apprehending a criminal, obtaining arrest warrants, or prosecuting a case. Chances are the average criminal who isn’t a serial killer still does some things the same way, even if he tries to hide them. For example, in the movie Home Alone, one of the burglars insists on flooding the sink every time he burgles a house. This little “way of doing things” connects him and his partner to a crime spree in which the sink is intentionally flooded in a house that has been burglarized. MO is not always so direct or focused, but analyzing evidence can uncover previously unnoticed patterns.
It is not always easy to demonstrate the modus operandi because the behavior discovered must be unique. Saying, “Well, he was carrying a gun when he robbed the bank,” is not uncommon and wouldn’t be a very strong MO. On the other hand, if the criminal had a gun while sporting a rubber ducky on his head, the MO becomes a bit ‘ more interesting. It usually takes several distinguishing properties to demonstrate that a person may have committed a number of crimes of the same nature.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
