Modus operandi (often used in the abbreviated forms M.O. or simply Method) is a Latin phrase, approximately translated as "method of operating".^[1] The plural is modi operandi ("methods of operating"). The term is used in English to describe someone's habits or manner of working, the method of operating or functioning.

It is often used in a criminal sense, to profile the methods employed by individuals during the execution of a crime, and may also be used in offender profiling,^[2] where it can also be used to find clues to the perpetrator's psychology.^[3] It largely consists of the methods used to execute the crime, prevent detection, and facilitate escape.^[1]

In Criminal Investigation Berg explains that a suspect's modus operandi (MO) can help in identification, apprehension, or repression. A M.O. file is an orderly method of recording and coding information designed to reveal habits, traits, or practices of criminal suspects. This can be used to apprehend a suspect.

In the case of Richard Ramírez’s modus operandi was not always recurrent. Ramírez's MO was often to kill the man of the residence first and then bind the women while he ransacked the house for jewelry. After he ransacked the house he would sexually assault the women and leave the premises to a nearby freeway.

In the Vincent and Maxine Zazzara case, Maxine’s eyes were gouged out and she was stabbed multiple times.

The case with William Carns and his fiancée, Ramírez forced Carole to say that she loved Satan and then let the police know that the Night Stalker was there.

[edit] See also

• Signature crime

[edit] Notes

[edit] References

Look up modus operandi in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

• Douglas, J. E. and A. W. Burgess, A. G. Burgess, R. K. Ressler. Crime classification manual (John Wiley & Sons, 2006) ISBN 0787985015
• Hazelwood, R. R, A. W. Burgess, Practical Aspects of Rape Investigation, (CRC Press, 2001) ISBN 0849300762
• Levinson, D. Encyclopedia of Crime and Punishment, (SAGE, 2002) ISBN 076192258X
• Vronsky, R. Serial Killers (Berkley Books, 2004) ISBN 0425196402
• Berg, B.L. Criminal Investigation (McGraw-Hill, 2008) ISBN 9780073401249
• Carlo, P. "The Night Stalker: The Life and Crimes of Richard Ramirez" (Pinnacle Books 1996) ISBN 0786013621

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