The Rate of Cognizable Crimes refers to the number of cognizable offences registered per 1,00,000 population in a given year. Cognizable crimes are those serious in nature where police officers are empowered to register a case and begin an investigation without prior approval from a magistrate. These include offences such as murder, rape, theft, robbery, rioting, human trafficking, and serious violations under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) or Special and Local Laws (SLL). The crime rate is calculated to provide a standardised measure that allows comparison across different states, regions, or time periods, regardless of population size.

This metric is highly relevant for understanding the law and order situation, identifying emerging crime trends, and guiding policy decisions and resource allocation for law enforcement and public safety. A rising rate of cognizable crimes may indicate increased criminal activity, better reporting mechanisms, or higher public trust in law enforcement. Conversely, a declining rate might reflect improved policing or underreporting. Policymakers, researchers, and law enforcement agencies use this data to assess crime prevalence, evaluate the effectiveness of crime prevention strategies, and ensure targeted interventions in high-risk areas, contributing to a more secure and just society.