Arrests represent an individual's entry into the criminal legal system. Increases in arrest rates can be an indication of increased crime, increased enforcement, or both. Disparities in this rate by race or ethnicity can highlight structural differences in how communities are affected and treated by the public safety system. Having been arrested can impact on a person's ability to access employment and other opportunities.

In 2024, Westchester County's arrest rate of African Americans was nearly 7 times that of Whites. For every 10,000 African Americans in the County, 34 were arrested, compared to rates of 5 for Whites and 2 for Asians. Westchester's rates were lower among all racial and ethnic groups than the state rates for each. Since 2015, arrest rates have decreased among all groups, except for Hispanics, which increased 17%.

Among comparison counties, Westchester's arrest rate among African Americans was similar to Putnam and Nassau (32 and 30 respectively), and higher than Rockland (22). Its arrest rate among Hispanics was slightly higher than Nassau (16) but lower than Rockland (25) and Putnam (24). Westchester had the lowest arrest rate among Asians.

Disparities in adult arrests are the result of racialized stereotypes, policies and practices and community conditions. Stereotypes that portray Black and Latino people, especially males, as inherently dangerous, criminal, and violent lay the foundation for police surveillance and disparate and harsher treatment by the criminal justice system. Communities of color are more likely to be under surveillance and policies such as stop and frisk perpetuate increased police contact. Punitive drug laws have had disproportionate impact on Black and Latino communities. Even though Blacks and whites have similar rates of drug use, Black people are more likely to be arrested and experience harsher sentences. The concentration of Black and Latino communities in highly segregated communities with limited economic opportunities and ineffective schools may also foster crime involvement.

Comparable national data is not available.