The New York City subway system is set to receive new technology that will detect weapons, as announced by Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban. The pilot program is expected to begin in a few months. However, the implementation of this technology has faced criticism from the Legal Aid Society, which has expressed concerns about its privacy invasiveness and potential false alarms.
Despite these concerns, the city is taking several measures to address safety concerns and improve security in the subway system. Transit crime has increased by 4% this year compared to last year and by 8% compared to 14 years ago. To address these issues, the NYPD recently announced plans to assign 800 additional officers for a week-long crackdown on subway fare evaders and the city is hiring more clinicians to assist individuals dealing with mental health issues.
Mayor Adams mentioned that the impact and use policy for electromagnetic weapons detection systems in New York City will be published, initiating a 90-day waiting period before the technology can be tested. As the pilot program begins, it remains to be seen how effective this new technology will be in improving safety in the subway system.