Which term describes the pattern of criminal behavior that can indicate a repeat offender?

• A. Motive
• B. Alibi
• C. Modus operandi
• D. Intent

Answer: (C)

Modus operandi describes the pattern of how a crime is committed—the typical method, tools, timing, and sequence the offender tends to use. This consistency across incidents is what lets investigators link separate crimes to the same person and recognize a repeat offender. It’s about how the act is done, not why, where the person claims to have been, or the legal intent behind the act. For example, a burglar who consistently enters through a specific type of window at a similar time, using the same tool, shows a recognizable pattern that points to a repeated offender.