Answer to Question #304701 in English for Thabile

Question

Explain the use of modus operandi and hot spot matrix in planning crime prevention operations and provide practical

examples.

Answer 1

Modus operandi is a descriptive phrase used to define the pattern of actions taken by someone suspected of committing a crime, the process of their thinking and behaviors they committed, and those patterns timeline might be before, during, and/or after the crime has occurred. The conduct and mental process of a criminal while committing a crime, how they sought to conceal their activities to avoid detection, and how they attempted to flee. Furthermore, in the case of several offenses, the places and timing are considered part of the mode of operation.

Examples: For example, in a case involving an armed robbery of a bank, proof that the suspected robber was convicted of an armed robbery one year prior would be admissible to prove to identify by modus operandi, where the culprit wore a purple cowboy hat in both the prior case and the present case.