What concept states that a criminal leaves something behind and takes something with them?

A.
Modus Operandi

B.
Profiling

C.
Locard’s Principle of Exchange

D.
Motive, Opportunity, and Means

Explanation:
C: Locard’s Principle of Exchange provides information that is useful for profiling. The principle states that a criminal leaves something behind and takes
something with him. This principle is the foundation of criminalistics. Even in an entirely digital crime scene, Locard’s Principle of Exchange can shed light
on who the perpetrator(s) may be.
A is incorrect because Modus Operandi (MO) refers to a distinct method criminals use to carry out their crime that can be used to help identify them. For
example, an MO for computer criminals may include the use of specific hacking tools, or targeting specific systems or networks. The method usually
involves repetitive signature behaviors, such as sending e-mail messages or programming syntax. Knowledge of the criminal’s MO and signature behaviors
can be useful throughout the investigative process. Law enforcement can use the information to identify other offenses by the same criminal, for example.
B is incorrect because profiling (or psychological crime scene analysis) is an investigative technique that involves developing behavioral or characteristic
patterns of an attacker who has not been caught. By creating an outline of an attacker’s characteristics, the investigative team may gain insight into the
attacker’s thought processes that can then be used to identify him or, at the very least, the tool he used to conduct the crime. Locard’s Principle of
Exchange, which states that a criminal leaves something behind and takes something with him, provides information that is useful for profiling.
D is incorrect because Motive, Opportunity, and Means is a strategy used to determine the suspects of a crime. Motive refers to the “who” and “why” of a
crime. Determining the motive for a crime can help investigators identify who would carry out the activity. Opportunity refers to the “where” and “when” of a
crime. This is usually a vulnerability or weakness in the environment that allowed the criminal to be successful. Means refers to the capabilities required for
the criminal’s activities to be successful. Does the criminal have the skills required to hack into a system, for example?