Final answer:
The term 'modus operandi' (M.O.) is used in criminal investigations to describe a person's way of operating, suggesting a pattern in their criminal acts. This, combined with geographic profiling and hotspot analysis, helps in predicting and identifying patterns of criminal behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term for "way of operating" that may indicate an accused individual has a pattern of behavior, particularly in criminal acts, is known as modus operandi or M.O. This term is vital in criminal investigations as it can help establish a pattern of repeating the same criminal activities using the same methods.
By observing an offender's modus operandi, analysts can predict where an offender is likely to commit additional crimes and may also identify potential suspects in crime sprees through geographic profiling. This process uses spatial principles and hotspot analysis to detect patterns of criminal behavior.
Essentially, most criminals conduct activities near their homes or another activity locus, but typically not too close to avoid recognition. Criminals have been known to avoid committing crimes within immediate proximity to their homes or workplaces.