CTA Leverages Extensive Security Camera Network to Pilot ZeroEyes' Gun Detection Technology

Use of the ZeroEyes technology complements agency's ongoing efforts to ensure a safe transit environment for riders and employees

CHICAGO, Aug. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its continued efforts to enhance the security of riders and its employees, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) today announced the pilot implementation of ZeroEyes' proactive Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based technology that leverages existing security cameras to specifically monitor for and alert security officials to only brandished firearms.

"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."

As part of its ongoing commitment to a multi-pronged approach to combating incidents of crime on and near CTA properties, the CTA has partnered with the technology company ZeroEyes, which provides a visual gun detection and situational awareness software platform based on computer vision and advanced machine learning AI. This technology has already been implemented in a variety of settings including other major transit agencies, schools and more, and is also currently in use at Chicago's Navy Pier.

ZeroEyes technology uses existing digital security camera footage to identify only brandished guns. If a brandished firearm is detected, an image is automatically sent to the ZeroEyes Operation Centers (ZOCs), which are staffed by military and law enforcement veterans for human verification. The ZeroEyes staff would then verify if the object detected is in fact a true brandished firearm and will then notify local law enforcement so they can immediately respond. ZeroEyes does not feature facial identification technology.

With this new technology, local law enforcement would be notified of a threat very quickly, often under one minute, after the system has a detection. Notification to law enforcement includes a photograph of a suspected gunman, gun type and specific location.

The Chicago Police Department (CPD) provides law enforcement and patrols the CTA system. The CTA's Security Department works in close coordination with CPD on a daily basis, CTA's extensive security-camera network is used to identify criminal activity and investigate reported customer and employee issues on the rail and bus systems.  The CTA supplements CPD's enforcement efforts with hundreds of additional personnel deployed across the system daily who are also focused on customer and employee safety.

CTA awarded a 12-month contract to ZeroEyes, valued at up to $200,000, and will provide 24/7 monitoring of multiple cameras across the rail system, plus supervision and supporting equipment. This contract is being paid for with funds from the annual operating security budget.

About ZeroEyes
ZeroEyes delivers a proactive, human-verified AI gun detection software solution that integrates into existing digital security cameras and helps to mitigate mass shootings and gun-related violence by reducing response times, providing actionable intelligence with images and delivering clarity among chaos — ultimately saving lives. ZeroEyes' patented solution has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a promising anti-terrorism technology and is the first video analytics technology to receive SAFETY Act DT&E Designation.

Founded by Navy SEALs and elite technologists, ZeroEyes dispatches accurate and real-time actionable intelligence about the illegal brandishing of a gun near or in an occupied area or building, to local staff and law enforcement with an image of the shooter(s) and location of the threat, as quickly as 3 to 5 seconds from the moment the gun is detected.

The ZeroEyes team also provides tech consulting, installation assistance and practice drills for active shooter events to enhance safety at schools, corporate and government facilities. Headquartered in the Greater Philadelphia area, the company's affordable and effective gun detection solution has been adopted by the US Department of Defense, leading public K-12 school districts, colleges/universities, healthcare facilities, commercial property groups, manufacturing plants, Fortune 500 corporate campuses, shopping malls, big-box retail stores and more. Learn more about ZeroEyes at ZeroEyes.com.

Learn more about ZeroEyes at ZeroEyes.com.

SOURCE ZeroEyes