NYC starts scanning subway riders for weapons today. Here's what to know.
NEW YORK -- New York City will start scanning subway riders for weapons at select stations Friday, part of a controversial pilot program.
Sources tell CBS New York the weapon detection system is expected to be installed by the evening commute.
While officials say the main goal is to keep guns out of the subway, the scanners can also detect other weapons, such as razors. But the new security precautions are also raising questions about privacy.
For safety reasons, transit police have not released a list of where the scanners will be installed, but riders should be prepared to make them part of their routine.
How the subway weapon detectors work
CBS New York was there as Mayor Eric Adams first showed off the new technology back in March. Riders will walk through the detectors, and a red box appears on an iPad if a weapon is found.
Adams said thousands of tests have been conducted on the machines and he and other city leaders are impressed with the outcome.
This comes as transit police have been touting a reduction of crime in the system, saying subway crime is down at least 7.8% from last near and nearly 27% over the last four weeks compared to the same period in 2023.
Officials hope the scanners will help deter random acts of violence that give the perception that subways are unsafe.
"I think this is going to become a norm for us. I think the turnstiles are going to change. Eventually, every turnstile is going to be able to identify if someone is carrying a gun," Adams said earlier this month. "I think it's a game-changer for the transportation system across the globe. As always, New York is going to lead the way."
Pushback over subway weapon detectors
Not everyone has been on board with the new safety measures. The Legal Aid Society wrote in a statement, "These scanners will create significant inconvenience, adding congestion and delays to an already overburdened system."
"Even worse, they are an unjustified invasion of privacy, and put people's lives at risk from the panic that an inevitable false alarm would induce," it went on to say.
The NYPD is also in hot water for not properly disclosing information before deploying the technology.
Sources tell CBS New York the program may violate the Public Oversight of Surveillance Technology Act, also known as the POST Act. It was enacted by the City Council in June 2022, calling for the NYPD to follow guidelines on the use of any new surveillance equipment.
Sources say the NYPD has not yet publicly posted a final statement about the system before it goes into use -- a step that must take place to avoid being in violation of the law.
What subway riders have to say
Riders we spoke with Friday morning were split on the plan, saying something should be done to prevent crime, but they questioned how it will be implemented.
"To keep the crime down, we have to do something," rider Hamilton Montero said.
"I'm glad they're trying. It's never going to work," said another rider. "Look how fast you go through here."
"No, definitely not, especially if you have to rush to work, I don't think it's going to be a thing that people have to do," rider Sharifa Footman said. "If it creates lines and long wait times, that's probably going to be an issue."
Political reporter Marcia Kramer will have more on the rollout tonight on CBS News New York at 5 and 6.