NYC will test AI gun detectors on the subway, for the safety of citizens

NYC is now exploring new AI technology for detecting guns in its subway system. On Thursday, NYC Mayor Eric Adams demonstrated a new AI system that will scan people like a metal detector.

NYC is partnering with Evolv, a weapons detection company that announced its new pilot program. This program will be introduced at a few stations after a legal waiting period of 90 days. “Keeping New Yorkers safe on the subway and maintaining confidence in the system is key to ensuring that New York remains the safest big city in America,” said Adams

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“Random acts of violence play on the psyche of New York,” Mr. Adams said. “We are going to evolve in a way to ensure that technology becomes part of the public safety apparatus.”

This technology was previously tested two years ago at City Hall but at that time, the results were not cleared. However, Adam has said that new technologies always come with a learning curve. Adam has also cleared that NYC is very interested in this technology and asked the tech companies to submit their possible solution for this if they have any.

NYC subway AI gun detectors will work much like metal detectors. These systems will scan the people walking through there and then if they detect any Gun or similar weapon, they will send the signal through an iPad standing there. Later with these details, NYC police will find out the person with a gun detected there by the system.

As per the company-” the scanners use a safe, ultra-low frequency, electromagnetic fields, and advanced sensors to detect concealed weapons.” Evolve CEO Peter George has claimed that scanners can detect virtually any type of weapon. “We’ve written the signatures for all the threats that are out there: all the guns that exist, all the bombs, all the large tactical knives,” George said in 2021.

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Additionally, on Monday the NYPD said that they are planning to deploy hundreds of uniformed and plainclothes officers this week to deter fare evasion.