New York City will soon have new technology to detect weapons in the subway system, as announced by Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban. The pilot program could start within a few months. Adams stated that the impact and use policy for electromagnetic weapons detection systems will be published, kicking off a 90-day waiting period before the technology can be tested and used in the city to enhance safety.
However, the Legal Aid Society quickly responded to the announcement, criticizing the approach as misguided, costly, and invasive of privacy. They pointed out that gun detection systems are often flawed and trigger false alarms, potentially leading to panic and dangerous situations. Despite these concerns, New York state and local leaders have been working to improve safety underground, with Governor Kathy Hochul deploying the National Guard and State Police for random bag checks, and Commissioner Caban reaching out to riders for feedback.
Subway crime has been on the rise, with officials reporting a 4% increase compared to last year and an 8% increase compared to 14 years ago. In response, the NYPD announced plans to assign 800 additional officers for a week-long crackdown on fare evaders and the city is also hiring more clinicians to support individuals struggling with mental illness. These efforts aim to address safety concerns and improve the overall experience of using the subway system in New York City.