The New York Police Department (NYPD) is currently investigating the feasibility of incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) technology to enable surveillance cameras in the city’s subway system to alert law enforcement authorities in the event of a firearm being brandished. The intention behind this AI-enabled gun-detection technology is to provide early warnings to police officers “before that first shot is fired,” according to Sam Alaimo, co-founder of ZeroEyes, a company specializing in the deployment of such software in public spaces throughout the United States.
ZeroEyes, based in Philadelphia, is presently training an algorithm to rapidly recognize firearms as soon as they are drawn. By integrating with existing digital cameras used by transportation systems, government agencies, educational institutions, and other entities, this programme ensures that analysts continuously monitor screens that remain idle until a weapon is identified, swiftly notifying law enforcement if a potential threat is detected.
Alaimo stressed, “From the instant a firearm is detected in front of a security camera, within approximately three to five seconds, the end user, whether it be a school, subway, military base, shopping mall, or grocery store, will receive an alert.” Furthermore, officers will be provided with “a picture of the shooter, the exact location of the shooter, and the precise time the shooter was present,” offering vital information for prompt response and intervention.
Following a recent shooting incident on an A train in Brooklyn, NYPD Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry expressed willingness to explore technology as a means of curtailing the presence of firearms in the subway. “I’m looking at technology where we can use our current cameras in the actual subway system and integrate that with technology where we can detect weapons,” Daughtry stated in an interview with NY1.
However, some experts have raised concerns regarding the implementation of this AI technology in the subway. Noah McClain from Santa Clara University, who has conducted research on the city’s subway system, highlighted the challenges of identifying individuals in certain settings. “There may be cameras in that type of setting that can identify something that appears to be a handgun, but there will be a significant amount of false positives and false negatives,” he cautioned.
The potential adoption of AI technology by the NYPD to detect guns in the subway raises important considerations regarding the balance between public safety and privacy. As discussions about this proposition continue, the integration of this groundbreaking technology could potentially revolutionize how law enforcement agencies address security threats in public spaces.
In conclusion, the potential integration of AI technology for detecting firearms in the subway represents a significant step towards enhancing public safety in urban environments. While the initiative poses certain technical and ethical challenges, its implementation could have far-reaching implications for law enforcement and public security. By considering the perspectives of experts and stakeholders, the NYPD can make informed decisions about the adoption of cutting-edge technology to address safety concerns within the city’s transportation infrastructure.