New York State Private Investigator Practice Exam

What does the term modus operandi refer to?

1. The motives behind a criminal act

2. The method or technique followed in performing a criminal act

3. The outcome of a criminal investigation

4. The psychological profile of a criminal

The correct answer is: The method or technique followed in performing a criminal act

The term modus operandi, often abbreviated as MO, specifically refers to the method or technique that an individual uses when executing a criminal act. This concept is crucial in criminal investigation and profiling, as understanding the modus operandi can help law enforcement identify, connect, and apprehend suspects who exhibit similar patterns of behavior. By analyzing the modus operandi, investigators can discern the techniques, behaviors, and patterns associated with a particular criminal, which can be instrumental in both preventing future crimes and solving ongoing investigations. For example, various criminals may have distinctive ways of committing thefts, selecting targets, or evading capture. Identifying these patterns can lead to significant breakthroughs in a case. The other options relate to important aspects of criminal behavior and investigation but do not accurately capture the meaning of modus operandi. Understanding the motives, outcomes, and psychological profiles provides additional context in criminal cases, but it is the method or technique — the very crux of what modus operandi denotes — that serves as a foundation for investigative strategies and criminal profiling.