NYC to Roll Out AI Gun Scanners Amid Rising Crime Rate

In response to growing crime, New York City is reportedly initiating a pilot program to deploy portable AI-powered gun scanners in its subway system to enhance safety and deter violence. Mayor Eric Adams unveiled the plan, intending to evaluate the effectiveness of these scanners after a mandatory 90-day waiting period.

The initiative also involves sending additional outreach workers to assist individuals with mental health issues residing in the subway system to access treatment. “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,” commented Adams. 

Evolv, a provider of scanning solutions, is going to provide the scanners. As per the company’s website, its “concealed weapons detection” solution uses “advanced sensor technology and artificial intelligence to distinguish between weapons and everyday items.”

The scanners, scheduled for introduction in selected stations, are set to be installed by companies with expertise in weapons-detection technology. Despite concerns regarding the accuracy of such systems, particularly with potential false alarms causing panic, city officials assert their commitment to conducting an independent analysis of the scanners' performance. The scanners, using advanced sensors and electromagnetic fields, aim to detect concealed weapons.

The decision to implement these measures follows recent high-profile incidents of violence in the subway, despite the generally low occurrence of violent crimes in the transit system. Notably, the announcement coincides with efforts to address subway safety concerns, including the deployment of additional police officers to combat fare evasion and curb criminal activities.

Last year, there were five reported killings in the subway, a decrease from the previous year, while recent months have seen a surge in homicides.