L.A. Metro Tests New Weapons Detection Technology

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority has launched a pilot program to test a concealed weapons detection system at Union Station in response to rising violence on public transit. This initiative, running through December, employs AI-powered scanners to non-invasively identify potential hidden threats among passengers. The program aims to enhance safety following a significant increase in weapons-related arrests on the transit system this year, including a high-profile bus hijacking incident. Metro officials are evaluating multiple security technologies and will present findings to the board to decide on a permanent solution. The detection system operates by screening passengers as they pass through pillars, flagging individuals for further checks by security officers. This move is part of broader efforts to improve security across Metro's buses and light rails, with additional measures like installing security barriers on buses also being considered.