Signature crime
Introduction 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.