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?

Contact with the justice system is associated with a range of poor social and health outcomes. Some of these outcomes include damage to social networks, employment opportunities amd graduation rates, worsened mental health outcomes and increased risk for involvement in violence. Arrest rates are often used by law enforcement to evaluate the effectiveness of policing strategies and to track changes in crime rates over time.

How is our region performing?

In 2022, arrest rates in the Mid-Hudson Valley region, below the state (excluding NYC) were highest amongst Black or African Americans at 40 per 10,000 residents. This rate was followed by 20 per 10,000 for Hispanic residents 10 per 10,000 for White residents, and 4 per 10,000 for Asian residents. Arrest rates for all racial groups was highest in Greene (at 81 for Black residents, 33 for Hispanic residents, 21 for White residents, and 17 for Asian residents). Rates were lowest for Black, White and Asian residents in Putnam (29, 6, and 2 respectively) and lowest for Hispanics in Dutchess (15).

Why do these dispartities 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 were not available.