How is "modus operandi" best defined?

The term "modus operandi" refers to an individual's habits and methods of operation, particularly in the context of criminal behavior. It describes the typical patterns and techniques that a criminal uses to commit offenses, which can provide valuable insights for investigators. Understanding the modus operandi can help link crimes, identify potential suspects, and establish profiles based on prior behaviors.

In criminal investigations, recognizing a perpetrator's modus operandi can be critical in predicting future actions and developing strategies for apprehension. The term emphasizes the systematic approach that a criminal may adopt, influenced by their skills, preferences, and psychological profile. Detectives often analyze these patterns to connect different crimes and streamline their investigative processes.

The other options do not capture the essence of "modus operandi." Collecting criminal evidence relates to physical forensic aspects rather than behavior, while methods for identifying suspects and details about crime scene characteristics are important but do not define the term in question.