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11/21/2022
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority last week announced plans to launch a gun detection pilot program using artificial intelligence (AI).
SEPTA is working with ZeroEyes, the company that created an AI-based gun detection video analytics platform, to implement the new security effort in early 2023, transit agency officials said in a press release. The pilot program will utilize cameras on the Market-Frankford and Broad Street lines to visually identify brandished guns and alert safety personnel and local law enforcement within seconds.
The company's ZeroEyes Operations Center, which is staffed 24/7, also delivers actionable intelligence on suspect descriptions, including appearance, weapon specifics and real-time location. The program holds SAFETY Act designation from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The program aims to reduce the likelihood of gun violence on SEPTA trains and platforms. SEPTA is the first major transit system to use the program, which is already used by the U.S. Department of Defense, schools and universities, corporate campuses and other organizations.
"While serious crimes are rare on SEPTA, evaluating this technology demonstrates the authority’s proactive approach to security," said SEPTA Board President Pasquale Deon.
SEPTA already controls more than 30,000 cameras throughout its system, officials said.
The transit agency has launched multiple other safety and security-related efforts this year, including increasing police presence, deploying outreach specialists to vulnerable communities and creating a virtual surveillance center.