Auto Crimes are investigated and prosecuted in collaboration with law enforcement and relevant trade organizations, such as the National Insurance Crime Bureau. Auto Crimes include the filing of fraudulent motor vehicle insurance claims, theft of motor vehicles from individuals, rental agencies and dealerships, and theft of motor vehicle components.
The Cold Case Bureau investigates unsolved homicides and other violent crimes that were committed over five years ago, are no longer being actively investigated by law enforcement, and have the potential to be solved through newly acquired information or advanced technologies, particularly DNA and other scientific means. The Bureau works to unify county resources and subject matter experts into a multidisciplinary team to methodically review and investigate violent cold cases with the goal of holding offenders accountable and bringing justice to victims and their families.
The Crime Strategies Center (CSC) collaborates with local, county, state, and federal law enforcement partners to proactively combat crime, establish investigative priorities implement precision policing strategies, enhance cases, and provide trial support. The CSC consists of two High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Analysts, two WCDAO Crime Analysts, and three WCDAO Senior Crime Analysts. One analyst is specifically dedicated to combating hate and bias crimes.
Collectively, CSC Analysts conduct high-level analysis, utilizing multiple methods of collection, with the goal of developing actionable intelligence leading to innovative enforcement strategies in support of our law enforcement partners. The wide-range of data analysis includes, but is not limited to: violent offender’s activities and associates, locations and methods of criminal activity, and narcotics overdose data sets. CSC Analysts are also embedded with HIDTA’s Gun Violence Strategy Partnership, which includes federal, state and local law enforcement partners.
The Cyber Crimes Bureau utilizes a team of prosecutors and criminal investigators assigned to an integrated forensic laboratory to investigate and prosecute cases in which computers, on-line content, cellular telephones, and other technological devices contain evidence of criminal conduct. This criminal conduct includes the promotion and possession of child sexual abuse material, unauthorized uses of computers, computer tampering, on-line sale and purchases of contraband, and terroristic threats using computer systems.
Internet Safety and Child Sexual Abuse Material
Internet safety, particularly for minors, is a top priority of the Cyber Crimes Bureau. In addition to investigations and prosecutions of the promotion and possession of child sexual abuse material, ADAs from the Bureau speak frequently with school children, parent organizations, and community groups regarding internet safety.
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
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 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.
The Major Case Bureau handles serious violent assaults, robberies, shootings, stabbings, kidnappings, and burglaries committed in Westchester County and vertically prosecutes these cases. The Bureau also handles serious and complicated multi-jurisdictional investigations of high-profile felonies and assists law enforcement during the initial investigatory stage and through any resultant prosecution and disposition.
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.
The Vehicular Crimes Bureau works with police departments across Westchester to investigate and prosecute incidents of felony-level driving while intoxicated, vehicular assault and vehicular manslaughter.
The Violent Criminal Enterprise Bureau (VCEB) investigates and prosecutes violent criminal activity that includes shootings, felony assaults, firearm possession and trafficking, arson, hate crimes and bias incidents, organized criminal activities – pattern burglary and robbery operations – narcotics trafficking and distribution rings, and group violence networks. The VCEB collaborates with local, county, state, and federal law enforcement to undermine violent criminal conduct throughout Westchester County.
