ZeroEyes — a Philadelphia -based tech startup — gained access to several existing security cameras across the city, which will be monitored by AI until April. The software has the ability to detect what type of firearm someone is holding, where it's last known location was and notify law enforcement in about three to five seconds, according to the company.
But how exactly does it work?
"What basically happens is our algorithm says, 'Hey, I think it's a gun,'" co-founder Sam Alaimo said. "An image will be sent from the client location to our operating center. That human in the loop will verify if it is a gun, [and if it is] they'll dispatch it. If it is not, they will not dispatch it."
Having humans verify the AI-selected images sent into ZeroEyes is crucial to its effectiveness. Alaimo, a former Navy SEAL, said the command center where the detected images are sent is staffed every day, around the clock, by law enforcement and military veterans.
The human element could also prevent an overreaction. In 2022, the New York Times reported that ZeroEyes detected a weapon near a high school track meet in Louisiana. After the detection, the ZeroEyes team determined that it was just a replica airsoft gun. Instead of having law enforcement respond, local school district officials responded.
"We do not want to send false positives to the end user," said Alaimo. "That's how you begin to erode the performance and the trust."
A lot of security cameras don't have high image quality, so false positives by AI could happen. However, Modesto's real-time crime center has access to hundreds of live video feeds — some of which capture 4k-resolution images. Because the RTC is staffed only Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., ZeroEyes could monitor some of its cameras when no one is there.
To train its algorithm, ZeroEyes fed it over 1 million images in a variety of environments. The software was designed to prevent school shootings and is used hundreds of schools across the country. However, Alaimo said it could be used in practically any setting. ZeroEyes' website touts dozens of articles that show governments, religious institutions and private sectors have used its system, resulting in arrests.
After an image is detected, then human-confirmed, ZeroEyes alerts its client. It is plugged into the local 911 system, but it can also send out an mobile app alert, videos and a desktop dashboard. Alaimo said that from the moment a gun is seen, it should take about three to five seconds before boots on the ground gets the alert.
MPD did not release the specific locations where it will be testing ZeroEyes. But if it's happy with the product, it could expand it to local schools and Vintage Faire Mall.
MPD's demo began in mid-February and will last until mid-April. Afterward, MPD will have to decide "if the software is feasible to move forward with or not," said department spokesperson Sharon Bear.
Alaimo said Modesto approached ZeroEyes early last year, expressing interest in the program. The pilot came at no cost to the city, according to MPD.
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