The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is stepping up its security game with a new AI-based pilot program that taps into its already extensive camera network. The technology, developed by ZeroEyes, is designed to detect brandished firearms and quickly alert security personnel. According to a statement from the CTA, the move is aimed at bolstering the safety of its nearly one million daily riders and its employees. "Our hope is this added measure of protection provides additional peace of mind to everyone," said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. as reported by the transit authority.
ZeroEyes' system scours through video footage from the CTA's cameras to identify only guns that are out and visible. If the technology spots what it believes to be a firearm, it sends an image to the ZeroEyes Operation Centers for human verification by military and law enforcement veterans. Should the team confirm the presence of a firearm, local law enforcement is promptly notified. "Instances of crime on the system are comparatively rare," noted CTA officials in their recent announcement, emphasizing that the AI tool does not use facial recognition capabilities and focuses solely on weapon detection.
Chicago's local law enforcement, including the Chicago Police Department, will benefit from the actionable intelligence provided by this technology in the event of a gun-related incident. This could lead to response times of under a minute, with the authorities receiving crucial details like the photograph of the suspected gunman, the gun type, and the exact location. The CTA maintains a daily partnership with the CPD, using their joint efforts to manage crime and ensure commuter and staff safety on the city's buses and trains.
The contract awarded to ZeroEyes, spanning 12 months, has been priced at up to $200,000 and includes round-the-clock monitoring across key points in the rail system. This proactive measure fits comfortably within CTA's annual operating security budget. The technology is already in use in various settings, such as schools and even Chicago's Navy Pier, showing its versatility and expanding footprint in public safety within the city and beyond.
