In a move to enhance public safety in New York City’s transit system, the NYPD is set to test metal detectors equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) technology in subway stations. This announcement, made by Mayor Eric Adams, comes as the city grapples with a recent surge in subway violence, including four reported killings already this year. Mayor Adams compared the implementation of these scanners to the famous “Sputnik moment,” emphasizing the urgency of this innovative approach.
The scanners that will be tested are manufactured by Evolv, a weapons detection company based in Massachusetts. It’s important to note that Evolv is currently under investigation by both the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Federal Trade Commission for potentially overstating the capabilities of their technology. Despite this investigation, Mayor Adams remains optimistic about the potential of these scanners to keep guns out of the subway system.
The decision to test these AI-equipped metal detectors follows Governor Kathy Hochul’s deployment of 750 National Guard soldiers to assist the NYPD in checking riders' bags. The NYPD has also recently added 800 additional officers to targeted subway stations as part of their “Operation Fare Play” initiative aimed at cracking down on fare evasion. With the introduction of the AI scanners, the city is taking a multi-faceted approach to address safety concerns in the subway.
While specific details about the implementation of the scanners have not been provided, it is known that they will not use facial recognition technology. Instead, they will be able to move around the stations and identify potential weapons. Riders will not be required to pass through the machines, and the scanners will be tested in a 90-day trial period to assess their effectiveness.
The NYPD’s collaboration with Evolv is not yet finalized, and the city is actively considering bids from other companies that offer gun tracking technology. Mayor Adams had previously piloted the Evolv scanners, along with gun detection technology from two other companies, following a mass shooting incident in 2022. Evolv’s website claims that their scanners use advanced sensor technology and AI to distinguish between weapons and everyday items, creating a more respectful and dignified screening process.
The NYPD has reported seizing 19 illegal guns in the subway so far this year, an increase from the nine guns seized during the same period in 2023. The introduction of AI-equipped metal detectors aims to further reduce the presence of firearms in the subway system and enhance passenger safety.
As the city moves forward with this testing phase and evaluates the effectiveness of the AI scanners, it is clear that Mayor Eric Adams and the NYPD are committed to exploring innovative solutions to address the issue of gun violence in New York City’s transit system. The incorporation of AI technology in these scanners represents a significant step towards creating a safer public transportation environment for all commuters.
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