What are “weapons detectors”?
Media outlets are calling them “metal detectors,” but that isn’t exactly right. They use radio waves and proprietary software to identify concealed objects that could be weapons. Proponents point out that, unlike the clunky airport body scanners that require users to stand still, patrons don’t need to break their stride to use them. If a scanner doesn’t detect a weapon, you walk right on through.
Do they work?
The jury’s out on that question. If a scanner does detect a weapon on someone, security staff, which have to monitor the machines, must divert the person toward a bag check or other manual screening. Evolv’s scanners have historically mistaken everyday items — like umbrellas, strollers, laptops, and water bottles — for weapons.
Will they affect my commute?
We’ll see! Evolv and its competitors have sold their tech to stadiums, hospitals, schools, and other venues, but nothing that sees as large a volume of people as the New York City subway system. The company’s software may be improving, which would lead to fewer false positives. But a false positive rate that’s anywhere near what appears to be the norm (per the few numbers we have — Evolv is secretive with its data) would require extensive secondary screening, causing lines and delays.
Experts, including Evolv’s CEO, have also warned that vibrations from the trains and using the scanners underground could interfere with the tech.
How is the city rolling them out?
The city said it is testing a few systems at select, undisclosed subway stations this week. The next steps are unclear, but Adams predicted that, “eventually, every turnstile is going to be able to identify if someone is carrying a gun.”
How much do they cost?
The city hasn’t said how much it is spending on the current testing phase. A multi-year hardware and software rental contract for the type of scanner made by Evolv can cost $100,000. Add in the cost of staff, and it’s hard to see it costing the city any less than hundreds of millions of dollars a year to deploy the tech system-wide.
Why does Eric Adams want them?
Great question. Despite fearful rhetoric from Republican and Democratic officials, and even though the city and state claim to need ever more police officers (and now troops) in the subway system, public transit riding is about as safe as it’s ever been. Adams describes himself as a police mayor and a tech mayor. Put those together, and New Yorkers get all sorts of experimental policing tools: backyard surveillance drones, robocop dogs, robocop blobs — and, yes, TSA-style subway security.
