How is "homicide" defined in policing terms?

The term "homicide" in policing contexts is specifically defined as the deliberate and unlawful killing of another person. This definition encompasses the essence of homicide as a crime that involves intent, meaning that the individual executing the act had the purpose to kill or cause serious harm, and it occurred without legal justification or excuse.

Understanding this definition is critical for law enforcement and legal practitioners, as it helps differentiate between various types of killings, such as justifiable homicides or manslaughter, which may have different legal implications. For instance, while self-defense may involve the killing of another person, it does not fall under homicide if the action is deemed legally justifiable. Similarly, accidental killings are categorized differently under the law and are not considered homicide because they lack intent.

In scenarios such as killings during a robbery, while they may result in homicide charges, the broader definition of homicide encompasses any unlawful killing, making the specific context crucial for determining charges. Hence, option C accurately embodies the legal concept of homicide in policing terminology.