What does the ‘modus operandi’ of a criminal indicate?

The ‘modus operandi’ of a criminal refers to the specific methods and techniques they employ to carry out their illegal actions. This term is often used in criminal investigations to identify patterns in behavior, which can help law enforcement agencies link different crimes to the same perpetrator. By studying the modus operandi, investigators can gain insights into the criminal’s approach, including their choice of targets, the tools or weapons they use, their escape routes, and any particular behaviors exhibited during the crime. Understanding a criminal's modus operandi is critical for developing profiles, predicting future actions, and preventing additional offenses, thus playing a crucial role in effective crime-solving strategies.