New York City is set to embark on a pilot project using artificial intelligence (AI) technology to detect guns at subway turnstiles, according to an announcement made by Mayor Eric Adams. The move comes in response to a recent incident in which a man was shot with his own gun after brandishing it at another passenger in a subway station in Brooklyn.
The city has partnered with Evolv, a Massachusetts-based weapons detection company, for this initiative. Evolv’s scanners, which use AI and advanced sensors, are already in use at various schools and venues across the country. However, the company has faced scrutiny over the accuracy of its machines, as well as being the target of two government probes and a class action lawsuit by shareholders.
The pilot program, set to begin in 90 days, aligns with the POST Act, which requires the New York City Police Department to disclose the surveillance technologies it employs and publish impact and use statements before implementing new technologies. During this waiting period, the city will also evaluate other potential vendors. Mayor Adams emphasized the city’s openness to test different technologies, stating, “Bring us your technologies. Let us test it.”
Although specific details about the installation locations and the number of scanners to be used were not provided, it is worth noting that Evolv scanners are already deployed at prominent venues such as Citi Field, Lincoln Center, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. In previous instances, Mayor Adams has demonstrated his endorsement of Evolv by temporarily installing a scanner outside City Hall and piloting the technology at a hospital and various school districts.
Evolv’s scanners resemble traditional metal detectors but are enhanced with AI capabilities. The company touts that its scanners utilize safe, ultra-low frequency electromagnetic fields and advanced sensors to identify concealed weapons. Peter George, CEO of Evolv, claims that the scanners can detect virtually any type of weapon. However, reports have surfaced suggesting that the technology is not as effective as advertised. Some incidents have demonstrated the scanners flagging harmless items such as umbrellas as guns, while failing to detect weapons that have been cleverly disguised.
Last year, concerns over the accuracy of Evolv’s technology led to an investigation by the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security. It was later revealed that Evolv had edited the report produced by the Center, removing information about the low rates of detection for specific weapons. Additionally, the Federal Trade Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission have also launched inquiries into Evolv’s AI detection system, and the company currently faces a class action lawsuit accusing it of misrepresentation.
Despite the controversies surrounding Evolv, Mayor Adams has expressed confidence in the company, as some of his top donors have investments in Evolv. The mayor believes in the potential of technology to save lives and stated that he has a responsibility to support its implementation.
The pilot project has already encountered opposition from critics who argue that gun detection systems are flawed and often trigger false alarms. The Legal Aid Society, the city’s largest public defender nonprofit, released a statement asserting that New York City should not be used as a testing ground for surveillance corporations without the public’s consent.
Mayor Adams acknowledged that violent crime on the subway system, including gun-related incidents, remains relatively rare. However, public perception of safety is crucial, and despite a decrease in overall crime, polls indicate that New Yorkers still feel increasingly unsafe. Mayor Adams emphasized the importance of creating an environment where people feel safe, noting that statistics hold little value if the public does not believe they are secure.
FAQ
What technology is New York City testing for gun detection in subway turnstiles?
New York City is testing AI technology provided by Evolv, a weapons detection company based in Massachusetts. The scanners use AI and advanced sensors to detect concealed weapons.
What concerns have been raised about the accuracy of Evolv’s machines?
Reports suggest that Evolv’s scanners have flagged harmless items such as umbrellas as guns while failing to detect cleverly disguised weapons. Concerns about the accuracy and effectiveness of the technology have led to government probes and a class action lawsuit against the company.
Are there any other locations where Evolv scanners are currently in use?
Evolv scanners are already deployed at various schools and venues across the country. In New York City, they are in use at Citi Field, Lincoln Center, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
What investigations are underway regarding Evolv’s AI detection system?
The Federal Trade Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission are currently conducting inquiries into Evolv’s AI detection system. In addition, the company is facing a class action lawsuit alleging misrepresentation of the efficacy of its products.
What is the response to the pilot program using AI technology for gun detection?
Critics argue that gun detection systems are flawed and often trigger false alarms. The Legal Aid Society, among others, has voiced opposition, stating that the public has not given consent to be part of these experiments. However, Mayor Adams believes in the potential of technology to enhance public safety and is committed to testing different technologies to achieve that goal.
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology for gun detection at subway turnstiles in New York City is part of a pilot project in partnership with Evolv, a Massachusetts-based weapons detection company. Evolv’s scanners, which utilize AI and advanced sensors, are already deployed at various schools and venues across the country. However, the company has faced scrutiny over the accuracy of its machines, as well as being the target of government probes and a class action lawsuit by shareholders.
The pilot program, scheduled to start in 90 days, aligns with the POST Act, which requires the New York City Police Department to disclose the surveillance technologies they use and publish impact and use statements before implementing new technologies. During this waiting period, the city will also explore other potential vendors. Mayor Adams has expressed openness to test different technologies, stating that the city welcomes new solutions.
Although specific details regarding installation locations and the number of scanners were not provided, it is noteworthy that Evolv scanners are already in use at prominent venues such as Citi Field, Lincoln Center, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The mayor has demonstrated support for Evolv by temporarily installing a scanner outside City Hall and conducting pilot tests at a hospital and various school districts.
Evolv’s scanners resemble conventional metal detectors but incorporate AI capabilities. The company claims that its scanners use safe, ultra-low frequency electromagnetic fields and advanced sensors to identify concealed weapons. However, reports have emerged suggesting that the technology may not be as effective as advertised. There have been instances where the scanners flagged harmless items like umbrellas as guns while failing to detect cleverly disguised weapons.
The accuracy concerns have led to an investigation by the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security. It was discovered that Evolv had edited the report produced by the Center, removing information about the low rates of detection for specific weapons. Additionally, the Federal Trade Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission have launched inquiries into Evolv’s AI detection system, and the company is facing a class action lawsuit alleging misrepresentation.
Despite the controversies, Mayor Adams has expressed confidence in Evolv, as some of his top donors have investments in the company. He believes in the potential of technology to save lives and believes in supporting its implementation.
Critics of the pilot project argue that gun detection systems are flawed and often trigger false alarms. The Legal Aid Society, New York City’s largest public defender nonprofit, has voiced opposition, asserting that the public should not be used as a testing ground for surveillance corporations without their consent.
Mayor Adams acknowledges that gun-related incidents on the city’s subway system are relatively rare. However, he emphasizes the significance of public perception when it comes to safety. Polls indicate that New Yorkers still feel increasingly unsafe despite an overall decrease in crime. The mayor believes that it is essential to create an environment where people feel secure, as statistics hold little value if the public does not have confidence in their safety.
What technology is New York City testing for gun detection in subway turnstiles?
New York City is testing AI technology provided by Evolv, a weapons detection company based in Massachusetts. The scanners use AI and advanced sensors to detect concealed weapons.
What concerns have been raised about the accuracy of Evolv’s machines?
Reports suggest that Evolv’s scanners have flagged harmless items such as umbrellas as guns while failing to detect cleverly disguised weapons. Concerns about the accuracy and effectiveness of the technology have led to government probes and a class action lawsuit against the company.
Are there any other locations where Evolv scanners are currently in use?
Evolv scanners are already deployed at various schools and venues across the country. In New York City, they are in use at Citi Field, Lincoln Center, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
What investigations are underway regarding Evolv’s AI detection system?
The Federal Trade Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission are currently conducting inquiries into Evolv’s AI detection system. In addition, the company is facing a class action lawsuit alleging misrepresentation of the efficacy of its products.
What is the response to the pilot program using AI technology for gun detection?
Critics argue that gun detection systems are flawed and often trigger false alarms. The Legal Aid Society, among others, has voiced opposition, stating that the public has not given consent to be part of these experiments. However, Mayor Adams believes in the potential of technology to enhance public safety and is committed to testing different technologies to achieve that goal.