On October 23, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) launched a pilot scanning system at Union Station designed to detect concealed weapons carried by passengers in an effort to prevent violent incidents.
Metro introduced this technology to the public, stating that the detection system will be positioned at the B/D line entrances. It aims to identify a certain number of passengers who may be secretly carrying weapons based on the flow of people entering the station. If the system flags an individual for carrying a weapon, Metro security or law enforcement officers will conduct further searches. Officials indicated that the pilot project is expected to conclude by the end of December, at which point they will decide whether to expand its use to other stations.
Robert Gummer, Metro’s Deputy Chief of Security and Law Enforcement, commented, “Since last year, the number of arrests for weapon possession on public transportation has doubled. We take this issue seriously, and we believe trying out these technologies is a crucial first step in enhancing the safety of our system.” So far this year, Metro has apprehended 152 individuals for carrying weapons.
The pilot initiative will test three types of detection systems, each being trialed for several weeks. The Metro board has also advocated for such technological measures. In September, Metro began installing weapon identification software on surveillance cameras to detect exposed weapons. Additionally, Gummer revealed that Metro is experimenting with millimeter-wave monitoring technology akin to security checks at airports and government buildings. This technology uses electromagnetic waves to detect weapons potentially hidden under clothing.
The urgency for such measures was amplified after a bus was hijacked in September, resulting in the death of a passenger. Due to the increasing number of assaults and homicides on both trains and buses, Metro faces pressure from residents, passengers, and elected officials to enhance public safety, prompting a series of initiatives aimed at addressing these concerns.
