This chapter probes the routine recording of homicides
in England & Wales – in other words, the reality of homicide. Our data source comes from the England and Wales
Homicide Index (see Soothill et al., 1999 ), which is
a computer-based system in operation since 1976
covering all homicides (murder, manslaughter and
infanticide) which were initially recorded by the
police. Records are updated when suspect information
becomes available and also when court proceedings
are concluded. Cases are later labelled as
“currently recorded” or “not currently recorded”
based on case information. Information on all victims
and all suspects are recorded.