New York City To Test AI Technology To Detect Weapons On Turnstile Subway

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced that the city will soon test technology that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to detect weapons on turnstyle subways. (photo: x @NYCMayorsOffice)

JAKAFTA - New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced that the city will soon test technology that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to detect weapons on turnstyle subways. Adams' announcement comes a week after an incident occurred at a subway station in Brooklyn where a man was shot with his own gun after pulling it on another passenger.

Adams said the city would cooperate with Evolv, a Massachusetts-based weapons detection company whose detectors are used in schools and entertainment venues across the country. However, Evolv has faced criticism of its engine accuracy, as well as two government investigations and lawsuits by shareholders.

The pilot test will begin in 90 days, in accordance with the POST Act, requiring the New York City Police Department to disclose surveillance technologies used and publish impact and use statements before the new technology is implemented. Adams said the city would also use a 90-day waiting period to examine other suppliers.

Adams did not mention where the scanner would be installed or how much would be used. The Evolv scanner is already in use at the Citi Field, Lincoln Center, and Metropolitan Museum of Art. In 2022, Adams also temporarily installed an Evolv scanner outside the City Hall entrance after the shooter fired a gun at a subway carriage in Brooklyn.

However, Evolv's technology doesn't always work well. Evolv scanners have reported umbrellas as weapons but failed to detect aluminum and steel tubes cut to resemble weapons barrel.

Nevertheless, Adams still chose Evolv as its main supplier, although some of its largest donors had considerable investment in Evolv. However, the project has drawn criticism from a number of parties, including the Legal Aid Society, the city's largest public defense organization.

Adams noted that violent crimes in subway systems, related to weapons or others, remain relatively rare. However, polls show that New Yorkers feel increasingly insecure. "If they don't feel safe, then we don't succeed," Adams said. "Stateistics doesn't matter if people don't believe they are in a safe environment."