Modus operandi as an analytical tool in criminal profiling

In contemporary criminology, modus operandi represents one of the key tools for understanding, reconstructing, and predicting criminal behavior. This paper examines modus operandi not only as a technical pattern of crime execution but also as an analytical instrument within the framework of criminal profiling. Special emphasis is placed on the principles and elements of modus operandi, its evolutionary nature, the analysis of modus operandi in investigative practice, the challenges of its application, and the relationship between modus operandi and the offender’s motives. Through qualitative content analysis, case studies, and comparative methodology, the research identifies ways in which modus operandi is used to recognize behavioral patterns, connect multiple criminal acts, and narrow the circle of suspects. The paper also highlights practical challenges in applying modus operandi, including behavioral variability, deliberate deception of investigators, and emphasizes the distinction between the functional modus operandi and the offender’s signature—a unique element that fulfills emotional and psychological needs. The results indicate that modus operandi, when properly interpreted, can have significant analytical and operational value in the process of criminal profiling. It is concluded that integrating modus operandi into forensic and investigative analysis is essential for a deeper understanding of crime dynamics, particularly in the context of serial offenses. At the same time, excessive reliance on modus operandi when analyzing crimes and creating offender profiles should be approached with caution due to the deceptive nature of criminal offenders.