New York City Mayor Eric Adams has announced plans to pilot test technology that utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to detect weapons on turnstile subways. This decision comes in the wake of a recent incident at a subway station in Brooklyn where a man was shot with his own gun after brandishing it at another passenger. The city will be partnering with Evolv, a Massachusetts-based weapons detection company that is already used in schools and entertainment venues across the country. However, Evolv has faced criticism for its system accuracy as well as government investigations and shareholder lawsuits.
Despite some reported issues with accuracy, Mayor Adams has chosen Evolv as the primary supplier, even though some of the company’s major donors have significant investments in Evolv. The pilot test is set to begin in 90 days as required by the POST Act, which mandates that the New York City Police Department disclose surveillance technologies and their impact before implementation. During this waiting period, the city will also explore other potential suppliers.
The decision to implement this technology has drawn criticism from various sources including Legal Aid Society, which is the city’s largest public defense organization. Despite some concerns raised by critics about safety and privacy issues, Mayor Adams emphasized that creating a sense of safety for New Yorkers is crucial for the city’s success. He stated that perceptions of safety are essential for attracting businesses and tourists to the city while maintaining public transportation services for millions of commuters every day.
