What does this measure?
The number of people arrested by race/ethnicity, expressed as a rate per 10,000 people of that race/ethnicity.
Why is this important?
Arrest represent individuals' entry into the public safety 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.
How is Westchester County performing?
In 2020, Westchester County's arrest rate of African Americans was 7 times as high as that of whites and 2.5 times as high as that of Hispanics. For every 10,000 African Americans in the County, 31 were arrested, compared to rates of 12 for Hispanics and 4 for whites. Compared to the state, Westchester's rates were a bit lower for African Americans and Hispanics, and half of the state rate for whites.
Among comparison counties, Westchester's arrest rate among African Americans was on par with Putnam (31), and higher than Nassau (23) and Rockland (19). Its arrest rate among Hispanics was lower than Putnam (15), on par with Rockland (12) and higher than Nassau (10).
Why do these disparities exist?
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.
Notes about the data
Comparable national data is not available.
Black or African American | Hispanic | White | |
---|---|---|---|
Westchester County | 31 | 12 | 4 |
Nassau County | 23 | 10 | 4 |
Putnam County | 31 | 15 | 8 |
Rockland County | 19 | 12 | 3 |
New York State | 33 | 15 | 8 |
Notes: Per 10,000 Residents
Black or African American | Hispanic | White | |
---|---|---|---|
Westchester County | 4,401 | 3,128 | 1,914 |
Nassau County | 3,538 | 2,496 | 3,165 |
Putnam County | 89 | 274 | 580 |
Rockland County | 691 | 772 | 696 |
New York State | 98,377 | 58,718 | 88,463 |
INDICATORS | TREND | WESTCHESTER |
---|---|
Contributions as a Percentage of Income |
0
Maintaining
|
Voter Registration Rate |
1
Increasing
|
Voter Participation Rate |
1
Increasing
|
Serious Crimes |
-1
Decreasing
|
Reported Victims of Domestic Violence |
-1
Decreasing
|
Arrest Rates, by Race/Ethnicity | 10 Not Applicable* |
Households With Internet Access, by Race/Ethnicity | 10 Not Applicable* |
Households without Vehicles |
-1
Decreasing
|
Means of Transportation to Work, by Race/Ethnicity |
-1
Decreasing
|
Air Quality |
1
Increasing
|
Population Density |
0
Maintaining
|
Water Quality of the Long Island Sound |
1
Increasing
|
Open Space in Westchester County |
1
Increasing
|