Following a 90-day waiting period, the scanners will be strategically placed in selected subway stations, allowing the NYPD to assess their effectiveness in deterring violence. The initiative comes amidst concerns about subway safety and utilizes technology from Evolv, a company previously scrutinized for its scanner performance claims.New York City officials, led by Mayor Eric Adams, unveiled a pilot program aimed at enhancing subway safety by deploying portable gun scanners within the system. These measures are part of a broader strategy to combat violence and instill a sense of security among commuters. The announcement comes with a 90-day waiting period mandated by law before the scanners can be introduced in select subway stations.
Mayor Adams emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of New Yorkers in the subway, underscoring its significance in maintaining the city’s reputation as one of the safest major urban centers in the United States. Additionally, the initiative includes plans to increase outreach efforts by deploying additional workers in subway stations to assist individuals with mental health issues, encouraging them to seek treatment rather than reside within the transit system.
Following the waiting period, city officials will collaborate with companies specializing in weapons detection technology to implement the scanners in designated subway stations. The effectiveness of these measures will be evaluated by the New York Police Department (NYPD) to gauge their impact on enhancing security and deterring violence in the subway environment. The introduction of these scanners is a proactive step towards addressing safety concerns and bolstering public confidence in utilizing the subway system.