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Patterns of behavior

Posted by Bob on October 31, 2002

In Reply to: Patterns of behavior posted by R. Berg on October 31, 2002

: : Patterns of behavior are entirely separate from modus operandi.

: : M/o is limited to the actual criminal act. A B&E man's M/O might include cutting the backdoor screen and taking the silverware. The fact that he defecates on the living room rug every time is not part of his m/o - it is a behavior unrelated to the crime at hand, burglary/theft.

: Cutting a screen is nevertheless an instance of behavior.

Main Entry: mo·dus ope·ran·di
Pronunciation: "mO-d&s-"ä-p&-'ran-dE, -"dI
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural mo·di operandi /'mO-"dE-, 'mO-"dI-/
Etymology: New Latin
Date: 1654
: a method of procedure; especially : a distinct pattern or method of operation that indicates or suggests the work of a single criminal in more than one crime

Given that dictionary definition, the rug pooper's habit helps establish his distinct (stinc-y?) pattern.

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