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 2022, Westchester County's arrest rate of African Americans was nearly 7 times as high as that of Whites and nearly twice as high as that of Hispanics. For every 10,000 African Americans in the County, 27 were arrested, compared to rates of 16 for Hispanics, 4 for Whites and 2 for Asians. Compared to the state, Westchester's rates were a bit lower for African Americans and Hispanics, and much lower that the state rate for Whites and Asians. Since 2020, arrest rates have increased by 33% among Hispanics, remained the same among Whites and decreased by 13% among African Americans. 2020 data was not available for Asians.

Among comparison counties, Westchester's arrest rate among African Americans was similar to Putnam and Nassau (both 29), and higher than Rockland (16). Its arrest rate among Hispanics was lower than Putnam (19), and Rockland (18), and higher than Nassau (15).

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.