Re: Patterns
of behavio(u)r
Posted by TheFallen on November
01, 2002 In Reply to: Re: Patterns of behavior
posted by bob 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.
Hmmm. I have
to disagree mildly with the statement that "patterns of behavior are entirely
separate from modus operandi". I think that they're not unrelated, but it's just
that modi operandi are a subset of behaviour patterns - a subset that is solely
involved with achieving the goal or purpose of the crime (or deed).
In th case
of the rug-despoiling burglar referred to above, I'd agree that fouling the carpet
is strictly speaking *not* part of his modus operandi, presuming that financial
gain was his only goal. However, if some psychotic anarchic activist took it upon
himself to break into a number of houses on Rodeo Drive for the express purpose
of vandalising them in some misguided effort to show his disapproval of capitalism,
then, if he invariably pooped on the shag-pile, that *would* be part of his modus
operandi.
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