New York City is set to trial artificial intelligence-based gun detection systems in its subway system. The scanners the company responsible for supplying the technology, are currently under investigation by both the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
AI-Powered Gun Detection in NYC Subway
Mayor Eric Adams announced that New York City will commence testing a novel technology employing artificial intelligence to detect firearms at subway turnstiles. The decision follows a recent incident at a Brooklyn subway station where a passenger was shot with his own weapon during a confrontation.
The city's initiative, as first seen by CBS News, involves a partnership with Evolv, a Massachusetts-based company specializing in weapons detection systems widely deployed in educational institutions and public venues nationwide.
However, Evolv has faced scrutiny regarding the accuracy of its devices, alongside ongoing investigations by government agencies and a shareholder lawsuit. Under the pilot program, slated to begin in 90 days, the New York City Police Department will adhere to the POST Act's requirements.
This legislation mandates the disclosure of surveillance technologies employed by the department and the publication of impact and usage assessments before implementing new technologies. During the waiting period, the city also plans to evaluate alternative vendors.
Adams expressed a keen interest in embracing technological innovations, inviting companies to submit their technologies for testing and evaluation.
Regarding the deployment specifics, Adams did not disclose the exact locations or the quantity of scanners to be installed.
However, Evolv scanners are currently operational in various prominent venues such as Citi Field, Lincoln Center, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Notably, in 2022, Adams took proactive measures by temporarily installing an Evolv scanner outside City Hall following a shooting incident on a subway car in Brooklyn.
Furthermore, the city conducted a pilot program with Evolv scanners at a Bronx hospital in response to a shooting incident within the ER waiting room. Additionally, numerous school districts nationwide have adopted Evolv scanners in their efforts to enhance campus security and mitigate the risk of shootings.
Scrutiny & Concerns
Evolv's scanners incorporate advanced artificial intelligence capabilities, resembling conventional metal detectors. The company claims these scanners utilize "safe, ultra-low frequency, electromagnetic fields, and advanced sensors" to detect hidden weapons.
CEO Peter George asserts that the scanners can identify various weapons, including firearms, explosives, and large tactical knives.
However, concerns have been raised about the technology's effectiveness. Reports indicate instances where Evolv's scanners have mistakenly identified harmless items as weapons.
For example, umbrellas have been flagged as firearms, while aluminum and steel tubes designed to resemble gun barrels have gone undetected.
Last year, certain school districts expressed frustration over the scanners' failure to detect knives in students' backpacks or their tendency to misidentify harmless objects like lunchboxes as explosive devices.
Related Article : New York City Pulls Out Controversial Subway Surveillance Robot
