Identification of Patterns in Crimes: A Study on Principle of Modus Operandi and Its Attributes

Modus Operandi (MO), or method of operation is an important factor in the fields of criminology, psychology, law enforcement and behavioural analysis. A habitual offender, in most cases falls into a specific pattern consciously or subconsciously in the commission of his crimes. This pattern is termed as the Modus Operandi of the criminal. In this paper Modus operandi is extensively discussed with reference to it origin and historical background. It also focuses on the types of clues and evidence left behind by the criminal that constitute to his Modus operandi and differentiates between a Modus operandi and Signature. It further includes a section on the Indian scenario with challenges, limitations, and suggestions. Thereby, this article aims to shed light on how studying modus operandi of a criminal could be key to catching him.