Modus operandi
Modus operandi (plural modi operandi) is a Latin phrase, approximately translated as "method of operation".[1] The term is used to describe someone's habits or manner of working, particularly in the context of business or criminal investigations. In English, it is often shortened to M.O.
The expression is often used in police work when discussing a crime and addressing the methods employed by the perpetrators. It is also used in criminal profiling,[2] where it can help in finding clues to the offender's psychology.[3] It largely consists of examining the actions used by the individual(s) to execute the crime, prevent its detection and/or facilitate escape.[1] A suspect's modus operandi can assist in his identification, apprehension or repression, and can also be used to determine links between crimes.[4]
In business, modus operandi is used to describe a firm's preferred means of doing business and interacting with other firms.
See also [edit]
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Look up modus operandi in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. |
References [edit]
- ^ a b Douglas, J. E. and A. W. Burgess, A. G. Burgess, R. K. Ressler. Crime classification manual (John Wiley & Sons, 2006) ISBN 0-7879-8501-5, p. 19-21.
- ^ Vronsky, R. Serial Killers (Berkley Books, 2004) ISBN 0-425-19640-2, p. 412.
- ^ Hazelwood, R. R, A. W. Burgess, Practical Aspects of Rape Investigation, (CRC Press, 2001) ISBN 0-8493-0076-2, p. 517.
- ^ Berg, B.L. Criminal Investigation (McGraw-Hill, 2008) ISBN 978-0-07-340124-9
Further Reading [edit]
- Levinson, D. Encyclopedia of Crime and Punishment, (SAGE, 2002) ISBN 0-7619-2258-X
- Carlo, P. "The Night Stalker: The Life and Crimes of Richard Ramirez" (Pinnacle Books 1996) ISBN 0-7860-1362-1
