The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has begun using artificial intelligence-powered security system cameras to detect guns.
The technology, currently in its pilot stage, utilizes existing security cameras to detect and alert security officials to brandished firearms, according to an Aug. 29 announcement.
Images of brandished guns are sent to the company ZeroEyes – the technology company providing the system – where they are reviewed by operation center staffers, military and law enforcement veterans, who identify the object and alert relevant authorities.
“Ensuring the safety and security of our riders and employees is our number one priority at the CTA, and this pilot allows us to explore how new technology may be able to support these efforts and further enhance already successful and effective technologies currently in place,” Dorval Carter, Jr., president of CTA, said in a statement. “Our hope is this added measure of protection provides additional peace of mind to everyone.”
System detection would result in local law enforcement being notified “very quickly, often under one minute.” The notification would include a photograph of the suspect, gun type, and a location.
ZeroEyes was awarded a year-long contract by CTA, with a value of up to $200,000, which CTA said is funded by its annual operating security budget. As part of the contracted agreement, ZeroEyes will provide 24/7 monitoring, supervision, and equipment support.
The camera detection system is available on “L” train platforms and is not currently used on the trains themselves.
The technology has already been implemented in other settings including at Chicago’s Navy Pier which has 500 cameras, almost all of them equipped with ZeroEyes detection software.
