NYC wants metro cameras to predict the “problems” before it happens

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority in New York says that it explores the use of AI systems for the “predictive prevention” of the crime and dangerous behavior on the city’s metro platforms.

Michael Kemper, MTA security director, said that the agency “studies and pilot technologies such as AI to feel potential problems or problematic behavior on our metro platforms”.

“If someone acts, irrational … This could potentially trigger an alert that would trigger a security and / or police service response,” he explained during a Meeting of the MTA Security Committee Monday, stressing that the police ‘response could come “before waiting for something to happen”.

“AI is the future,” he added, noting that MTA “is working literally with technological companies at the moment” to investigate “what would work in the metro system”. Kemper has not detailed with which companies the MTA work, how AI will be implemented, nor exactly what type of behavior the compatible cameras AI will have to detect.

However, MTA spokesperson Aaron Donovan confirmed The Gothamist that the new system will not be based on facial recognition. “The technology explored by MTA is designed to identify behavior, not people,” said Donovan.

This is not the first time that the MTA has implemented AI. In 2023, he revealed that he used surveillance software fueled by AI for Track Price Evaders in the metroSupervisor when, where and how most prices take place.