The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Southern Nevada announced that it will soon implement the first-ever system-wide AI weapon scans on Las Vegas transit.
The new transit systems will utilize AI-powered cameras and acoustic technology as a response to the increasing concern of mass shootings in public spaces in the U.S.
(Photo : Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images)
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AI-Powered Weapon Scanner to Reduce Violence on Public
The RTC shared that a new transit system would soon be implemented as part of its $33 million multi-year upgrade to boost the security of public transportation. The commission is looking for innovative and faster ways to prevent potential violence.
"Time is of the essence; it gives us time to identify a firearm being brandished, so they can be notified and get to the scene and save lives," said Tom Atteberry, RTC's director of safety and security operations.
Metro areas have been suffering from violent crime incidents over the years. In 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics reported 1,770 cases of assault in public transit, resulting in increased public fears about transportation.
RTC Partners With ZeroEyes for New AI Scanners
The commission shared that it developed a partnership with the gun detection software vendor ZeroEyes. The company is known for scanning riders on more than 400 buses to identify if anyone is carrying a firearm.
Once the software detects a brandished gun, an alert will be sent to a staff operations center, which is full of retired law enforcement veterans. The staff must quickly assess if the person is considered a threat.
The Las Vegas transit system will be the first one to commit to a full deployment. Previously, a pilot program with Philadelphia's SEPTA was done last spring after a year of testing.
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