Signature as a Trace of Identity: A Theoretical - Research Approach to Criminal Profiling

Abstract

 This paper examines the concept of the signature in criminal profiling as a key indicator that reveals the offender’s psychological structure and internal motivation. Unlike the modus operandi - which includes the technical and functional aspects of committing a crime - the signature reflects the offender’s emotional and psychological needs that extend beyond the purpose of the act itself. The signature is viewed as an expression of inner impulses and fantasies, manifested through stable behavioral patterns and rituals. The research emphasizes its applicability in contemporary profiling, particularly in the identification of serial offenders, where stable signature elements allow investigators to connect cases that initially appear unrelated. However, a signature is not always present - it may be absent due to situational factors, emotional fluctuations, or deliberate concealment of trace evidence. The examination of real investigative cases, along with examples from literature and film, shows that identifying the offender’s signature behavior helps investigators better understand the motives that drive the crime. Once the signature is recognized, it provides deeper insight into the offender’s internal impulses, making it easier to connect related crimes and contributing to their eventual resolution