CTA piloting AI-based gun detection system

CHICAGO — The Chicago Transit Authority announced Thursday morning that the agency is piloting an AI-based gun detection system.

ZeroEyes technology works by using existing security cameras to identify only brandished guns.

If a brandished firearm is detected, an image is automatically sent to the ZeroEyes Operation Centers. They are staffed by law enforcement and military veterans for human verification.

The staff then verifies if the object detected is a brandished firearm. If it is, law enforcement is notified.

The CTA issued a 12-month contract for the pilot program. The contract is being paid for with funds from the annual operating security budget, according to the CTA.

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“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,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. “Instances of crime on the system are comparatively rare, and the CTA is proud to provide safe and reliable transportation to roughly one million riders a day. Our hope is this added measure of protection provides additional peace of mind to everyone.

Manny Ramos of Block Club Chicago reported this week that Carter Jr.’s schedule revealed he spent more time traveling to other transit systems than visiting the city’s CTA train stations and bus terminals.

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