New AI Weapon Detectors on NYC Subways
New York City is piloting AI-powered Evolv scanners to detect weapons in its subway system. Mayor Eric Adams introduced the 30-day trial, emphasizing the technology’s potential benefits despite its experimental status. The scanners aim to identify guns and knives without flagging everyday items, although a reporter’s iPad case did trigger an alert.
Civil liberties groups like the NYCLU and the Legal Aid Society argue that the scanners could violate constitutional rights and have threatened legal action if the program expands. Some riders expressed skepticism, questioning the practicality of widespread deployment and suggesting alternative safety measures like platform barriers.
Crime in the subway has decreased recently, with an 8% drop in subway crime and a decline in killings compared to previous years. Despite this, Adams advocates for potentially equipping all turnstiles with weapon detection capabilities, which could require a significant police presence.
The CEO of Evolv, Peter George, acknowledged the challenges of using the scanners in the subway environment, noting the multiple entry points and high volume of riders. The company has faced lawsuits and federal inquiries over its product’s reliability and marketing practices. New York City’s history with security measures in the subway includes past efforts like bag checks and explosive detection technology, which have mostly fallen out of use.