Behavioral analysis — The systematic examination of behavior and available evidence to help investigators understand an offense, evaluate possibilities, develop interview approaches, or assess risk. It supports an investigation; it does not establish identity or guilt.
Criminal investigative analysis — A case-specific process that evaluates the crime, victim information, scene evidence, and documented behavior to offer investigative suggestions or hypotheses that must be tested against evidence.
Modus operandi — The actions and methods an offender uses to commit an offense successfully. An M.O. can change as circumstances, experience, or practical needs change.
Signature — Behavior that may express needs beyond what is necessary to complete the offense. Signature is an analytical interpretation, not a physical identifier, and requires cautious comparison across cases.
Victimology — The structured study of a victim’s life, routines, relationships, circumstances, and exposure to risk to understand the event and guide investigation. It must never be used to blame the victim.
Threat assessment — A fact-based, multidisciplinary process for evaluating concerning behavior, capability, circumstances, and protective factors in order to identify proportionate ways to reduce risk. It is not a profile of what a dangerous person “looks like.”