Criminal Forensics – MO vs Firma – How to tell the difference between the various actions of a thief

when you watch your favorite CSI television show, you may have heard of the terms, MO or modus operandi, and the 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 delve into 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 a thief uses to commit a crime. This concept is very old. In fact, this concept dates back to the 19th century in England when a police officer, Major LW Atcherley of England’s West Riding Yorkshire Police, developed a 10-point system for identifying a perpetrator’s modus operandi. Scotland Yard later incorporated many of his techniques that are still in use today.

The following factors are considered when identifying the MO of a perpetrator:

• 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 culprit’s alibi
• the achievements 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 in defiance of the police

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

An MO can evolve over time as the perpetrator finds better ways to commit murder or other types of crimes. This can include changing your mode of entry, ploy, disguise, or the timing of attacks. It will modify its methods to be more effective and help you avoid detection.

On the reverse of a 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 personally. Torturing the victim, repeatedly stabbing the victim, postmortem mutilation, and removal of souvenirs or trophies are examples of signatures. These actions are motivated by the fantasies and psychological needs of the killer.

Unlike an MO, the perpetrator’s signature does not change. Your signature may 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 their chest, details such as candles, bracelets, or other ceremonial items may be included at a later time. The signature has changed, but its basic theme and form remain the same.

The engine of a firm is the reason for its stability. The perpetrator’s signature stems directly from his fantasies. These fantasies develop at an early age and are refined into an obsession after years of mental rehearsal. During the crime, the perpetrator forces the victim to respond according to his fantasy. The signature is only used by the culprit to carry out his personal fantasy. Since his fantasy never changes, the signature remains the same.

next time you look CSI and listen to the terms MO and signature, you will have a better understanding of their definitions.