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Trials and Investigations

Economic Crimes

The Economic Crimes Bureau investigates embezzlement, investment scams, forgeries, identity theft, insurance fraud and other schemes designed to steal money from unsuspecting victims. Among other investigative techniques, the Bureau works with law enforcement to identify victims, and also uses a data-driven system to review information contained in reports generated through the Federal Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, part of the United States Treasury Department. The Bureau reviews this information to identify identity theft and related crime patterns, and develops proactive methods to investigate such offenses

Public Integrity and Law Enforcement Integrity

The WCDAO is responsible for investigating and prosecuting allegations of misconduct by uniformed members of service, public officials, public servants, and licensed professionals. Examples include:

  • Alleged or suspected criminal conduct by a member of law enforcement, public official, public employee, or other individual entrusted to perform a public service or function, regardless of whether the conduct is related to or occurred in the performance of a public duty;

  • Alleged or suspected excessive force by a law enforcement officer;

  • Alleged or suspected criminal conduct by an attorney, or an individual representing themselves to be the same, when the conduct is related to, or occurred in, the performance of the attorney’s professional duties;

  • Any alleged or suspected criminal conduct related to the court system, a law enforcement agency, a correctional facility, a public office, a public service, or other public entity.

The public can report matters of public corruption to (914) 995-TIPS (914-995-8477) - enter "5" for Public Corruption - or fill out an online complaint form.

Felony General Crimes

The Felony General Crimes Bureau handles all low-level felony cases that are not handled by one of the specialized bureaus. The Bureau makes decisions on determining the appropriate charges, gathering necessary materials, and conducting investigations in preparation for presenting the cases to the Grand Jury. If a Grand Jury votes to indict a case, the Felony General Crimes Bureau will keep the case for vertical prosecution.

Hate Crimes

Hate or bias crimes are those in which either the crime is committed or the victim is chosen because of a perpetrator’s belief or perception regarding a person’s race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender identity or expression, religion, religious practice, age, disability or sexual orientation.
Bias incidents such as hateful language or messages may be lawful in accordance with the First Amendment right to freedom of speech, but they also cause fear and intimidation among members of the targeted groups.

The WCDAO works to combat hate crimes and bias incidents in Westchester by:

  • Providing support to local police departments on hate crime and bias incident investigations and trends.
  • Training police officers on hate crime law and their response to hate-related offenses.
  • Working with local leaders to address underlying hate and bias issues within communities.

If you believe you were the victim of or a witness to a hate crime, call your local police department. If you have any questions, need additional information, or would like to report a hate crime or bias incident to our office, you can contact us via our tips line at (914) 995-TIPS (914-995-8477) and press 2 for Hate and Bias Crimes, or you can fill out our online complaint form.