New York Consolidated Laws, Vehicle and Traffic Law - VAT § 423. Peace officers and their duties

The officers and members of the state police, any local police department and any peace officer acting pursuant to his special duties shall have and exercise the power and it shall be their duty to investigate and make arrests for violations of the provisions of this chapter.  They shall investigate any theft of a motor vehicle or trailer, of which they receive notice or have information, and arrest or cause the arrest of any person where reasonable grounds exist to believe that such person has stolen a motor vehicle or trailer, and, when necessary for such arrest, make complaint on information before the proper court or magistrate.