AI weapons detection technology included in NYC pilot program

NEW YORK—Evolv Technology’s AI system will be used as part of a new pilot program by the New York City Police Department (NYPD) to detect weapons carried by travelers into the Metropolitan Transit Authority's (MTA) subway system. 

According to a release by the Office of the Mayor of New York City, the NYPD seized 1,515 weapons in the subway system in 2023, compared to 947 weapons the previous year – a nearly 60% increase. 

“The NYPD contacted Evolv to explore and test the possibility of using our weapons detection screening solutions in select locations around the city as part of their multi-pronged plan to curb violent crime,” Peter George, CEO of Evolv Technology, told Security Systems News (SSN). “Given the wide range of potential city environments, the Evolv technical team is working with the NYPD security experts to understand how and where our technology can best be used to align with their security and operations objectives.” 

There is a mandatory 90-day waiting period before new technology can be tested and used in New York City, in accordance with the Public Oversight of Surveillance Technology (POST) Act, which requires the NYPD to disclose the surveillance technologies it uses and publish its Impact and Use Policy online for electromagnetic weapons detection systems. 

During the waiting period, the NYPD will work to identify companies with proven expertise in weapons detection technology, such as Evolv Technology, and following the waiting period, it will pilot their technology in certain subway stations to further evaluate effectiveness. 

“Riders have to feel safe when riding the subways, and that requires innovation – new weapons detection technology - but also increased deployments of police and tougher handling of repeat offenders by the criminal justice system,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber in the release. “Thankfully, (Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul) get it and continue to fight for the millions of people who rely on the transit system." 

In the statement, Hochul stressed the importance of keeping the subways safe using emerging weapons detection technology.  

"Since the start of my administration, (Mayor Eric Adams) and I have worked together closely to keep the subways safe for all New Yorkers," she said. "The new technology announced today builds on our existing commitments to place cameras throughout the system and will help law enforcement keep dangerous weapons out of the system." 

With Evolv among the first participants named in the pilot program, George welcomes his company’s opportunity to keep subway riders safe.  

“We are honored to have the opportunity to continue our mission to make safer experiences for the New York community, in collaboration with the city,” George said.