Criminal Forensics – MO vs Signature – How to differentiate between the various actions of a thief

When you look at your favorite CSI TV show, you may have heard of the terms, MO or modus operandi and signature a perpetrator uses when committing a crime. What is an MO and how is it different from a criminal’s signature?

In this article, we’ll take a look at the differences between these two terminologies so that when you watch your favorite detective show, you’ll have a better understanding of what the characters are talking about.

Modus operandi, also known as MO, or method of operation, refers to the tools and techniques that an offender uses to commit a crime. This concept is very old. In fact, this concept dates back to 19th century England, when a police officer, Commander LW Atcherley of England’s West Riding Yorkshire Police, developed a 10-point system to identify the modus operandi of the perpetrator. Later, Scotland Yard incorporated many of its techniques that are still used today.

The following factors are considered when identifying a perpetrator’s modus operandi:

• Crime scene
• Entry point
• Input method
• Tools used during the criminal act
• Types of Objects Removed from a Crime Scene
• Time of day the crime occurred
• The guilty alibi
• The accomplices of the culprit
• Mode of transportation to and from the scene.
• Unusual features of the crime, such as killing the house cat or leaving a note or object to challenge the police.

All of these factors address the culprit’s method of doing things. You consider it necessary to do these things as part of the commission of the crime.

A modus operandi can evolve over time as the perpetrator finds better ways to commit murder or other types of crime. This may include changing their entry mode, tactics, disguise, or the timing of the attacks. It will modify its methods to be more effective and help you avoid detection.

On the flip side of a modus operandi, a firm refers to an act that has nothing to do with completing the crime or getting away with it. Signatures are personally important to the perpetrator. Torturing the victim, repeatedly stabbing the victim, post-mortem mutilation, and removal of souvenirs or trophies are examples of signatures. These actions are motivated by the fantasies and psychological needs of a murderer.

Unlike a modus operandi, the signature of the perpetrator does not change. Your signature can be refined over time, but the basic signature remains the same. For example, if a serial killer poses his victims in a particular way with a crucifix on his chest, later details such as candles, bracelets or other ceremonial objects can be included. The signature has changed, but its basic theme and form remain the same.

The driving force of a firm is the reason for its stability. The perpetrator’s signature originates directly from his fantasies. These fantasies develop at a young age and are refined in an obsession by years of mental rehearsal. During the crime, the perpetrator forces the victim to respond according to his fantasy. The signature is used solely by the culprit to carry out his personal fantasy. Because your fantasy never changes, the signature remains the same.

Next time you look CSI and listen to the terms MO and signature, you will understand their definitions better.