Latest news with #transitpolice
CTV News
26-06-2025
- CTV News
18-year-old arrested for assaulting middle school student on New Westminster bus, police say
A Metro Vancouver Transit Police officer is seen in this undated image. (Metro Vancouver Transit Police/Facebook) An 18-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly assaulting a 13-year-old middle school student on a Metro Vancouver bus. The incident occurred on June 19 in New Westminster, according to a news release from Metro Vancouver Transit Police. Around 3:30 that afternoon, the victim boarded a bus on 8th Avenue with a group of other students, police said, adding that the 13-year-old was headed home from school. 'A few stops later, the student stood up to exit the bus and accidentally bumped an 18-year-old man with his backpack,' the MVTP statement reads. 'The man then allegedly grabbed the student by the throat and punched them multiple times. Both the suspect and the student departed the bus, at different stops.' Police said they received 'multiple phone calls and text messages' reporting the incident, and were soon able to identify the suspect. He was arrested on June 20 and has since been released with conditions. MVTP did not name the suspect, and there are no online court records related to the police file number, indicating that charges have not yet been laid. 'Transit police would like to thank the young witnesses who came forward, supported by their parents, to share their information with officers,' said Const. Amanda Steed, in the release. 'We understand that it can be difficult to recount something deeply upsetting that a person has experienced or witnessed, and would like to commend these students for finding the courage to do so.' Transit police said they 'continue to work closely with school administration' to address concerns about student safety on transit. They asked anyone with information about the June 19 assault who has not yet spoken to investigators to call 604-515-8300, or text 87-77-77.
Fox News
23-05-2025
- Fox News
AI to monitor NYC subway safety as crime concerns rise
Imagine having a tireless guardian watching over you during your subway commute. It notices every detail with steady focus, all with one goal in mind: keeping you safe on the subway. New York City's subway system is testing artificial intelligence to boost security and reduce crime. Michael Kemper, a 33-year NYPD veteran and the chief security officer for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), which is the largest transit agency in the United States, is leading the rollout of AI software designed to spot suspicious behavior as it happens. The MTA says this technology represents the future of subway surveillance and reassures riders that privacy concerns are being taken seriously. The AI system will analyze real-time camera feeds across subway platforms and train cars to detect unusual or potentially dangerous behaviors. Instead of identifying individuals, the technology focuses on behavior patterns that might signal trouble, such as erratic movements or confrontations. When the AI flags something suspicious, it can alert transit police to respond quickly, which could help prevent crimes before they escalate. Currently, about 40% of subway cameras are monitored live by staff. The AI aims to expand this coverage without needing additional personnel, which could enhance safety across the system. While details about the AI providers and full deployment timelines have not been shared, the MTA emphasizes that facial recognition technology will not be part of this system. This is intended to protect rider privacy. Crime in NYC subways has seen ups and downs over recent years. While major crimes dropped by about 7.7% through mid-2024, assaults have unfortunately increased. To bolster safety, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul deployed 1,000 National Guard members to support transit police efforts. AI technology is viewed as a complementary tool in this broader strategy to keep subways safe, not a standalone solution. New York is not alone in exploring AI for transit security. Cities like Los Angeles and Chicago have experimented with AI-powered cameras for tasks ranging from weapons detection to issuing parking citations. These initiatives reflect a growing interest in using technology to enhance public safety in transit environments. While the promise of AI surveillance is encouraging, several questions remain unanswered. We do not yet know exactly which behaviors the system will flag or how effective it will be in practice. Perhaps more importantly, privacy advocates and civil liberties groups warn about potential biases in AI systems and the risk of false positives that could unfairly target certain groups. The MTA's decision to exclude facial recognition is a positive step, but ongoing transparency and oversight will be crucial. Michael Kemper's extensive experience leading the NYPD's Transit Bureau, where he helped reduce subway crime, adds credibility to the initiative. Still, as this technology rolls out, balancing safety with privacy and fairness will be key to earning public trust. Would you trust AI to watch over you in the subway or are you more concerned about your privacy? Let us know by writing us at For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Follow Kurt on his social channels: Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
