The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is implementing a new tool called ZeroEyes to detect firearms through video surveillance. This software application uses artificial intelligence (AI) and human analysis to scan surveillance footage and alert police to the presence of guns. Despite some concerns raised about the effectiveness and ethics of using surveillance technology to combat gun violence, proponents believe that ZeroEyes will improve public safety by enabling quicker responses to potential gun threats.
Violent crime on Chicago’s public transportation system has been increasing, and the CTA is running ZeroEyes on approximately 250 of its more than 33,000 surveillance cameras. When an object believed to be a gun is spotted, ZeroEyes alerts the CTA, the Office of Emergency Management and Communications, and police. The CTA pilot is seen as an additional layer of security, especially in light of recent shootings on CTA property.
ZeroEyes was founded in 2018 by former Navy Seals and Special Operations veterans and is marketed as a proactive tool to alert police or emergency responders within seconds of a gun being spotted. While there have been instances of false positives flagged by ZeroEyes, the company emphasizes that they prioritize safety and act with caution in such situations.
Critics have raised concerns about the lack of community involvement in the decision to launch ZeroEyes and the potential for unnecessary interactions between police and residents due to false positive alerts. However, supporters argue that if the technology can save even one life, it justifies the investment.
There is a broader debate about the role of surveillance technology in addressing gun violence, with some questioning the prioritization of surveillance over addressing root causes of violence. Advocates for community involvement in decision-making around public safety initiatives argue that a more holistic approach is needed to truly address the underlying issues contributing to gun violence in cities like Chicago.
