Calling card (crime)

West Ham ICF Calling Card

Calling card (crime) refers to a signature method or distinctive pattern left behind by a criminal at the scene of a crime, often as a way of taunting law enforcement or claiming responsibility. The concept has been popularized in various forms of media, including books, films, and television shows, and is a common trope in detective fiction. While the idea of a criminal leaving a literal card at the scene is more fictional than factual, the term has come to encompass any unique or identifying mark, symbol, or pattern that a criminal leaves behind.

Overview

The use of a calling card in crime can vary widely, from graffiti tags left by vandals to the specific modus operandi of a serial killer. These calling cards can serve multiple purposes: they can be a way for the criminal to boast about their crimes, to create a psychological impact on the public or victims, to communicate with law enforcement, or simply as a means of creating a "signature" that links their crimes together.

Historical Examples

One of the most famous historical examples of a calling card is the letters sent by the person claiming to be Jack the Ripper during the Whitechapel murders in 1888. These letters, including the "From Hell" letter, taunted police and claimed responsibility for the gruesome murders, though their authenticity is debated.

Another example is the Zodiac Killer, who operated in Northern California in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The Zodiac Killer sent a series of cryptic letters to local newspapers, some containing ciphers that were claimed to reveal his identity.

Psychological Implications

The use of calling cards can have significant psychological implications, both for the criminal and the public. For the criminal, leaving a calling card can be a way of exerting control and gaining notoriety. For the public and the victims, it can increase the fear and anxiety surrounding the crimes.

Investigative Use

Calling cards can be a double-edged sword for criminals. While they may serve the criminal's purpose of taunting law enforcement or gaining notoriety, they also provide investigators with patterns that can be used to link crimes together and potentially identify the perpetrator. Behavioral analysis units and criminal profilers often examine these unique signatures to understand the psychology of the criminal and predict their future actions.

In Popular Culture

The concept of a criminal leaving a calling card has been a staple in detective fiction and crime dramas. Characters like the Joker from the Batman series are known for leaving literal calling cards, while other fictional criminals may leave more symbolic marks. These portrayals have contributed to the popular fascination with the concept, though they often exaggerate the prevalence and significance of calling cards in real criminal investigations.

See Also

• Serial killer
• Modus operandi
• Forensic science
• Criminal profiling