CHICAGO (WLS) — The CTA has announced plans that could help keep passengers safer with a new technology system now installed in some stations that detects guns on L platforms.
The system, called “Zero Eyes,” is a 24/7 surveillance technology that can detect guns on CTA platforms.
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“This is designed to detect exposed weapons through our current camera systems,” said Kevin Ryan, CTA's vice president of security.
The CTA said the technology, already in use on some platforms, immediately sends an alert to CTA security and Chicago police if a gun is detected.
For now, the system is only used on the platforms, not on the trains themselves.
“Once detected, an alert is sent to emergency responders, police and security personnel, usually within minutes,” Ryan said.
CTA riders generally say they feel safe riding trains, but some feel security could be increased.
“There are a lot of people just hanging out on the train, sleeping, using drugs, whatever,” passenger Mir said.
According to Chicago Police data, reported crimes on CTA trains and rail line platforms are down 12% compared to the average over the past three years.
It is also worth noting that passenger numbers are significantly higher this year than in the past three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
CTA users said they've seen these improvements and hope the new technology will improve response times.
“I think being more physical is better because I think it stops a lot of stuff before it starts,” jockey Lorraine Henninger said.
The technology is currently in a pilot phase, and once testing is complete, the CTA will decide whether and how to expand the program.
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