Gun detection technology will be tested in the New York City subway system in an effort to address concerns over criminality. The move comes as there have been a number of crimes that have happened in the public transit system.
According to a report from the New York Times, the weapon-detection system from Evolv Technology resembles the metal detectors that are often seen at security checkpoints at sporting events and concerts. A spokesperson for NYC Mayor Eric Adams said that a roving set of scanners will be going from station to station in the subway system beginning on Thursday and Friday for the next month.
Last week, Adams said that it “should be rolled out in the next few days to do our initial implementation,” per the New York Post. The tech is a pilot program to test and see whether the gun detection system will be rolled out more in the future, Adams added, “And they are looking at other companies as well. We are not locked into this company.”
“We invite companies that specialize in weapons detection technology to contact us as we look to expand how we are keeping New Yorkers safe when riding the subways,” said NYC spokesman Amaris Cockfield.
City officials did not say where the scanners will be placed in an effort to not tip off would-be riders with firearms. Adams said that the crime in the subway system went down by 44 percent compared to the same week in 2023 when the announcement was made.
There was a 20 percent uptick in subway crime in the beginning of 2024, per the Post, however, that has dropped with using more law enforcement tactics in the subway system, such as deploying the National Guard to the subway for bag checks and using more law enforcement in public transit.
