Arrests 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.

In 2020, our region had an arrest rate of 47 per 10,000 for Blacks or African Americans, 18 per 10,000 for Hispanics or Latinos, and 9 per 10,000 for whites. Compared to the state, those rates were higher for African Americans, and about the same for Hispanics and whites.

Monroe County's rates were similar to that of the region. In comparison to 2000, the state, region, and Monroe County all had decreasing arrest rates for both Blacks and whites, while the arrest rates for Hispanics or Latinos increased. The City of Rochester had lower arrest rates than Monroe County for its Black or African American and Hispanic or Latino populations, and slightly higher arrest rates than the county for whites. Rochester's Black or African American rate was 4.1 times that of whites, while the county's was 6.9 times that of whites.

The surrounding counties had higher arrest rates for Blacks or African Americans. Of the surrounding counties, Genesee and Ontario had the largest gaps between Black and white arrest rates, with Black rates both over 10 times that of whites. Wyoming had the smallest difference in rates, with Black rates at 0.8 times that of whites.

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.