New York City Mayor Eric Adams initiated steps on Thursday to introduce gun detection technology in the subway system, aiming to bolster security in one of the globe’s largest public transit networks.
The deployment of these devices, commonly utilized in arenas and cultural institutions throughout the city, is pending a mandatory 90-day probation period, a prerequisite for all new law enforcement technologies.
This decision comes on the heels of a widely circulated video capturing a subway shooting earlier in the month. It underscores Adams’ proactive approach to address crime concerns amid declining public confidence.
“Would I prefer us not having to walk through this to come on our system? You’re darn right I do,” stated Mayor Adams. “But we have to live life the way it is and work to make it what it ought to be.”
Aligned with Governor Kathy Hochul, fellow centrist Democrats, Adams is taking assertive measures to combat subway crime, navigating the delicate balance between assuaging rider apprehensions and addressing skepticism towards aggressive policing.
Last year, the governor facilitated NYPD officers working 1,200 daily overtime shifts in the subway. In response to a surge in crime post-funding expiration in January, Hochul deployed the National Guard for station bag checks. Adams recently announced an officer surge to deter fare evasion and unveiled plans to bolster mental health services for subway-goers.
Nevertheless, safety apprehensions persist. A recent survey revealed a significant decline in feelings of safety among NYC subway riders, echoing a broader challenge for Adams, who champions a safer city and faces reelection in 2025.
Adams reiterated his stance: “Stats don’t matter if people don’t believe they are in a safe environment,” referencing subway ridership exceeding 4 million daily with minimal felonies.
The newly unveiled devices focus solely on gun detection, distinguishing firearms from common metal items like phones or water bottles. Manufactured by Evolv, these devices encountered setbacks in 2022 but have since undergone enhancements, according to Mayor Adams.
The pilot phase will commence with a select number of detectors, with the NYPD conducting a strategic deployment based on crime patterns. Successful outcomes could prompt City Hall to seek additional funding from the US Department of Homeland Security and local businesses for expanded deployment.
Critics, including the Legal Aid Society and the New York Civil Liberties Union, voiced concerns over the efficacy and implications of the technology. They argued against false alarms causing panic and emphasized the need to prioritize privacy and address potential biases in targeting.
{Matzav.com}