False imprisonment occurs when someone holds another person against that person's will. Learn about this criminal offense here.In New York, a private person or a police officer commits the tort of false imprisonment or false arrest when they detain someone without legal authority. Unlawful Imprisonment in the First Degree is a New York criminal offense imposing harsh penalties on anyone who restrains another person. False imprisonment is an act punishable under criminal law as well as under tort law. Under tort law, it is classified as an intentional tort. The Division of Human Rights complaint form is available at the below link. You may use this form to file and submit your complaint online. Although false arrest is a form of false imprisonment, the two are not the same. In a private lawsuit under civil law, false imprisonment can be brought as an intentional tort law claim (civil wrongful act).