Re: Patterns
of behavior
Posted by bob on October 31, 2002 In Reply to: Re: 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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