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Signature crime

Exhibits characteristics unique to an offender's psychology

Exhibits characteristics unique to an offender's psychology

A signature crime is a crime which exhibits characteristics idiosyncratic to specific criminals, known as signature aspects, signature behaviours or signature characteristics. Where a modus operandi (MO) concerns the practical components of a crime which can also be unique to one suspect, signature aspects fulfill a psychological need and, unlike the MO, do not often change.

Two examples cited in Crime Classification Manual by John Douglas are a bank robber from Michigan who required tellers to undress during the robbery so he could photograph them, and a rape case where the perpetrator forced the husband to return home and be humiliated by the event. These characteristics move beyond modus operandi, because they fulfill a psychological need rather than a need of practical execution of the crime.

The 1898 Gatton murders also exhibited signature aspects. Following the murders, the bodies were re-arranged so their legs crossed over their bodies with the feet pointing west. Ted Bundy also used a complex series of signature behaviours.

Notes

References

  • Douglas, J.E., Burgess, A.W., Burgess, A.G., & Ressler, R.K. (1992). Crime classification manual: A standard system for investigating and classifying violent crimes. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
  • Keppel, R.D., & Birnes, W.J. (1997). Signature killers: Interpreting the calling cards of the serial murderer. New York, NY: Pocket Books.

References

  1. Douglas, John. (2006). "Crime Classification Manual". John Wiley and Sons.
  2. Whiticker, Alan J. (2005). ''Twelve Crimes That Shocked the Nation''. {{ISBN. 1-74110-110-7
  3. Keppel, Robert. (2008). "Serial Violence". CRC Press.
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