MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

What is the best way to establish a suspect's Motis Operandi?

1. Common physical descriptions from records and teletypes

2. Location, time, and types of crime

3. Suspect's methods

4. Analysis of eyewitness reports

The correct answer is: Suspect's methods

The best way to establish a suspect's Motis Operandi (MO) is by analyzing the suspect's methods. The term "MO" refers to the patterns or techniques that a suspect uses to commit crimes. By focusing on the specific methods employed in various criminal activities, law enforcement can identify trends and behaviors that are characteristic of that particular suspect. This information is crucial for linking multiple offenses to the same individual and understanding how they operate, which can aid in apprehension and prevention strategies. The other choices may provide valuable information, but they do not encompass the essence of a suspect's MO as thoroughly. Common physical descriptions can help identify a suspect but are not indicative of their behavior or techniques. Similarly, information regarding the location, time, and types of crime might outline where and when crimes occur but lacks the detail needed to understand how the suspect commits these crimes. Finally, eyewitness reports can offer insights into one particular incident, but they may not reliably convey the broader patterns in a suspect's behavior unless they consistently recount similar methods across different cases.