Criminal Forensics - MO vs Signature - How to Tell the Difference Between a Crook's Various Actions

Criminal Forensics - MO vs Signature - How to Tell the Difference Between a Crook's Various Actions

In this article, we will elaborate on the differences between these two terminologies so that when you watch your favorite detective show, you will have a better understanding of what the characters are talking about.

Modus operandi, aka MO, or method of operation, refers to the tools and techniques that a crook uses to commit a crime. This concept is very ancient. In fact, this concept dates back 19th century England when a police constable, Major L.W. Atcherley of the West Riding Yorkshire Constabulary of England, developed a 10-point system for identifying a perpetrator's MO. Scotland Yard later incorporated many of his techniques that are still in use today.

The following factors are considered when identifying a perpetrator's MO:

Place of the crime

Point of entry

Method of entry

Tools used during the criminal act

Kinds of objects removed from the scene of a crime

Time of day when the crime occurred

The culprit's alibi

The culprit's accomplices

Mode of transportation to and from the scene

Unusual characteristics of the crime, such as killing the house cat or leaving behind a note or object to challenge police

All these factors address the culprit's method of doing things. He finds it necessary to do these things as part of committing the crime.

An MO may evolve over time as the perpetrator finds better ways to commit murder or other kinds of crimes. This may include changing his mode of entry, ploy, disguise, or the time when the attacks occur. He will modify his methods to become more effective and help him avoid being detected.

On the flipside of an MO, a signature refers to an act that has nothing to do with completing the crime or getting away with it. Signatures are important to the perpetrator in a personal way. Torturing the victim, repeatedly stabbing the victim, postmortem mutilation, and the removing of souvenirs or trophies are examples of signatures. These actions are motivated by a killer's fantasies and psychological needs.

Unlike an MO, the perpetrator's signature does not change. His signature may be refined over time, but the basic signature stays the same. For instance, if a serial killer poses his victims in particular manner with a crucifix on the chest, details like candles, bracelets or other ceremonial objects may be included at a later time. The signature has changed, but its basic theme and form stay the same.

The driving force of a signature is the reason for its stability. The perpetrator's signature takes it origin directly from his fantasies. These fantasies develop at a young age and are refined into an obsession from years of mental rehearsal. During the crime, the perpetrator forces the victim to respond in accord with his fantasy. The signature is used only by the culprit to carry out his personal fantasy. Because his fantasy never changes, the signature stays the same.

The next time you watch CSI and hear of the terms MO and signature, you will have a better understanding of their definitions.

Fabiola Castillo is an online marketer for the website NinjaCOPS SuperStore. This virtual store specializes in personal defense products where you can buy the best pepper spray, kubatons keychains, hidden video spy surveillance cameras, nunchaku training videos, civilian Tasers, expandable steel batons, and many other home security products.

POST COMMENT

Various Sources In Oklahoma Criminal Background Check What does criminal background check include? A Brief Guide for Recruiters It's Totally Free Criminal Records Criminal Record Search Results Depends On Search Criteria Basic Structure for Wring Criminal Justice Essay Nan Yong, Yang Yimin, etc., have been under criminal detention Fan Guangming manipulation of A - Nan Yong, Yang Yimin, Fan Guangming - machine tool Employer Criminal Background Check – Who Can You Trust These Days Pirates; Heores or Criminals Where to Look for Degrees in Criminal Justice Why Conduct Criminal Background Checks Criminal Justice Degrees Michigan Arrest Records,Michigan Criminal Records,Criminal Arrest Records What Are the Benefits of Free Criminal Background Check?