The Forensic Significance of Modus Operandi

The Forensic Significance of Modus Operandi Abstract This thesis deals with the forensic significance of modus operandi, focusing on modus operandi systems (MOS), as specific tools for recording and evaluating criminal activity. The thesis then focuses on their historical development, functioning, and problematic aspects in the Czech Republic. It furthermore analyses their application in the international context, including the possibilities for international cooperation and the exchange of forensically significant information between national police forces and specialized institutions. The thesis is divided into three main chapters. The first chapter presents the basic theoretical principles related to the significance of modus operandi and summarizes key forensic concepts. The second chapter analyses the development and current state of MOS in the Czech Republic, focusing in particular on the transformation of historical records into the currently used KSU system and identifying ongoing shortcomings primarily resulting from subjectivity in data entry. The third chapter focuses on an international comparison of MOS, primarily the ViCLAS system and its possible national modifications, as well as forms of international cooperation that can serve to share forensically significant information more effectively....