Signature - Research Paper Example

An example of a signature can be a branding or logo that a criminal leaves at a crime scene. Hence, in the definition, the difference between the two can be seen in their relationship to the crime. The background of these two procedures will be explored further on in the paper. Another difference between a signature and modus operandi is that the later tends to improve over time with the criminal’s experience and enhancement in skills. However, a signature remains constant in a criminal’s acts and is deeply rooted in him/her.

Modus operandi tends to change in the form of weapons used, exists and entry routes whilst a signature is adopted when an individual begins his crime and becomes a source of satisfaction, pride and in some situations a justification for criminal behavior (Douglas & Munn, 1992, 1-10). In summation, the two are different because modus operandi feeds and depends on emotional needs whilst a signature is just a procedure. The best way to analyze Modus Operandi is by looking at the background and driving forces between the two procedures.

As mentioned above, a criminal leaves his signature as a way of personalizing his crimes. The crime itself and the signature are not directly related and are driven by different forces. There are several factors that influence the signature of the criminal. These include personality, past history, intelligence and mental state (Hazelwood & Warren, 1-14). These often give clues of a criminal’s psychological and emotional status and often reveal reasons for committing a certain crime. An example of the way a criminal’s signature can portray his or her past is that offer torturer (Turvey & Freeman, 2011).

This can represent an individual has been traumatized in his childhood or possesses certain emotional traits such as self hatred. Others who aim to impose authority over a certain group of people may have past experiences of neglect or sexual abuse (Douglas & Munn, 1992, 1-10). As mentioned above modus operandi and signature have different driving factors. Modus operandi is a process driven by the will of an individual to commit a crime (Hazelwood & Warren, 1-14). This is driven by the experience of an individual and his knowledge on the particular crime, including the best way to carry it out without being caught or compromising his intentions for committing that particular crime.

This in turn leads to a variation in killing techniques, timing, destruction of evidence and execution (Hazelwood & Warren, 1-14). The MO can change for every victim, for example certain killer may choose different weapons for each target as this may help increase satisfaction gained from each crime (Hazelwood & Warren, 1-14). In summation, it can be said that all criminals have an MO comprised of habits, techniques and behavioral traits that are performed with the following objectives; affect escape, complete the crime and avoid capture.

David Berkowitz has one of the most widely discussed modus operandi in the world. His MO involved.44 Charter arms bulldog revolver as the weapon of choice. The fire arm as five rounds and is specifically designed for close combat (Gresswell & Hollin, 1994, 307-318). The majority of Berkowitz attacks were blitzed shootings however at times he disguised the crime scene to cover up his true intentions and the nature of the act. For example, in the murder of