Metro - File #: 2025-0288

• File #: 2025-0288
• Type: Motion / Motion Response
• Status: Agenda Ready
• File created: 4/10/2025
• In control: Executive Management Committee
• On agenda: 6/18/2025
• Title: RECEIVE AND FILE the quarterly update on the weapons detection pilot.
• Sponsors: Board of Directors - Regular Board Meeting
• Indexes: Accessibility, Ara Najarian, Bandwidth (Traffic signals), Board approved a Motion, Fernando Dutra, Gateway Cities (Southeast LA County) Service Sector, Gateway Cities subregion, Hilda Solis, James Butts, Janice Hahn, Karen Bass, Kathryn Barger, Key Performance Indicator, Maintenance, Motion / Motion Response, Norwalk, Norwalk Station, Public Safety Advisory Committee, Safety, Safety and security, Security, Surveys, System safety, Systems engineering, Technical Advisory Committee, Transit safety, Transit System, Vehicle maintenance, Video, Weapons

Meeting_Body

EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

OPERATIONS, SAFETY, AND CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE COMMITTEE

JUNE 18, 2025

Subject

SUBJECT:                     WEAPONS DETECTION PILOT

Action

ACTION:                     RECEIVE AND FILE

Heading

RECOMMENDATION

Title

RECEIVE AND FILE the quarterly update on the weapons detection pilot.

Issue

ISSUE

Following the completion of a weapons detection proof-of-concept pilot in 2024, in February 2025, the Board approved Motion 39 by Directors Hahn, Barger, Solis, Bass, Dutra and Butts (Attachment A) that directed the CEO to extend and expand the deployment of concealed weapons detection systems for 12 months, advance an onboard bus weapons detection pilot, and evaluate the infrastructure requirements needed to support brandished firearm detection with advanced video analytics. This update aligns with the Board directive to provide the first of a series of quarterly reports beginning in June 2025.

Background

BACKGROUND

In response to continual efforts to increase public safety on the system, the Board approved Motion 34.1 by Directors Barger, Krekorian, Hahn, Najarian, Butts, and Solis (Attachment B) in April 2024 that directed the CEO to explore strategies to prevent weapons from entering the system and to identify applicable technologies already deployed by peer transit agencies. Subsequently, in July 2024, Metro launched several proof-of-concept pilots to evaluate multiple weapons detection technologies. Broadly, these initial proof-of-concept pilots focused on two types of weapons detection systems, concealed weapons screening and brandished firearm detection using video analytics software applied to existing closed-circuit television (CCTV) infrastructure.

These proof-of-concept pilots concluded at the end of 2024, and in February 2025, staff presented their findings to the Board. The initial pilots provided valuable insight into the performance, scalability, and operational requirements of these technologies. It also informed the development of a refined deployment approach that balances detection accuracy with rider throughput and staff resourcing.

Based on these findings and the lessons learned from peer agencies, the Board approved Motion 39, authorizing a 12-month continuation and expansion of the most promising concealed weapons detection technologies identified during the initial phase. This motion also directed staff to initiate a pilot aboard two buses and further explore system readiness to implement brandished firearm detection and ultimately return to the Board with findings and implementation recommendations.

Discussion

DISCUSSION

As outlined in Motion 39, System Security and Law Enforcement (SSLE) staff prepared a comprehensive update on ongoing efforts to enhance transit system safety through the deployment and evaluation of advanced weapons detection technologies, and report progress across three major initiatives:

1.                     The expanded pilot of concealed weapons screening at select rail stations,

2.                     The development of a first-of-its-kind onboard weapons detection system for buses, and

3.                     Implementation planning for real-time brandished firearm detection using video analytics.

Throughout all efforts, staff have continued to engage stakeholder groups, including the Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC), Citizens Advisory Council (CAC), and Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC), to promote transparency, community input, and alignment with agency-wide security and customer service objectives. SSLE staff remain committed to advancing these initiatives as part of Metro’s ongoing mission to safeguard riders, employees, and the communities it serves across the transit system.

CONCEALED WEAPONS SCREENING

In preparation for the expanded concealed weapons detection system pilot, staff procured equipment, performed training, and analyzed various data points to select stations. Below is a brief timeline of these efforts:

•                     March

o                     On March 12, 2025, Metro executed a contract for four CEIA OpenGate “pillar-type” units and supporting equipment for the 12-month expanded weapons detection pilot.

o                     SSLE also convened departmental meetings throughout March to finalize key performance indicators (KPIs) and assign data collection responsibilities.

•                     April

o                     On April 10, 2025, SSLE staff, in partnership with CEIA engineering, conducted hands-on training for Metro Transit Security (MTS).

§                     The training sessions focused on equipment functionality, troubleshooting procedures, and proper setup and calibration protocols.

§                     Training sessions were delivered to supervisory and management personnel across both morning and evening shifts, ensuring operational readiness for launch and consistent performance standards across deployment locations.

o                     Throughout April, a pilot schedule was established, and 12 target station locations were identified, guided by data on weapons-related incidents, Transit Watch app reports, entrance counts, and feasibility of setup. The selected stations are not identified for operational security purposes, in accordance with 49 CFR § 1520.5 (b)(8)(i).

o                     On the morning of April 28, new passenger screening deployments began at the Norwalk C Line Station.

§                     Preliminary figures indicate MTS officers encounter an average of three bladed objects per shift, including pocket knives, box cutters, and multi-tools, all disclosed by patrons during secondary screenings initiated by OpenGate system alerts; most have not been deemed to pose a threat given the absence of intent or supporting factors to indicate the item is intended to be used as a weapon. Passengers have identified the items as tools that are kept out of reach. A minority share of instances involved knives with blades beyond the legal length of two inches; patrons were directed to return the object to their vehicle and invited to return to the Metro system.

§                     No firearms have been detected during deployments to date.

§                     On average, three individuals per shift have declined to proceed through screening or leave the station entirely after encountering the system or associated signage.

-                     In one instance, a patron was observed to pay fare but refused screening, proceeding to exit without further incident or comment.

§                     Secondary screening times at Norwalk averaged just 10 seconds.

§                     Only one missed train incident was reported per shift, indicating minimal travel disruption.

§                     Officers noted consistent patron compliance, informal comments in support, and screening operations allowed customer interaction without major operational friction.

o                     Passenger screening also commenced at the San Pedro A Line Station in the afternoon, with MTS officers staffing a similar deployment.

§                     Findings have been similar to those observed at Norwalk, though more data is necessary to provide figures.

§                     One key difference is the operational challenges associated with the station layout.

§                     Officers have provided detailed operational observations, noting that the narrow station footprint and proximity to the street and tracks complicate screening logistics due to electrical interference from nearby passing vehicles and overhead catenary system (OCS). These firsthand insights are valuable in shaping pilot adjustments, particularly around equipment placement and environmental sensitivity.

Concealed Weapons Screening at Norwalk Station (left & center); Metro Board Chair Hahn going through screening (right)

Evaluation and Key Metrics for Concealed Weapons Passenger Screening

To evaluate the effectiveness, operational feasibility, and public response to Metro’s passenger screening for weapons detection pilot, staff developed a series of metrics aligned with both safety outcomes and customer experience goals. This success metric framework will guide quarterly reporting and inform decisions regarding future deployment, system enhancements, and long-term investments in security infrastructure. The key metrics, definitions, and purpose are summarized in the following table.

Another key metric staff will conduct during the pilot period is a cost-benefit evaluation to assess the financial feasibility and overall value of the deployed technologies. Staff will analyze capital costs, including equipment procurement, installation, and system integration, as well as ongoing operational expenses such as staffing, maintenance, and vendor support. These costs will be weighed against measurable benefits to determine cost-effectiveness in relation to safety outcomes and customer experience. A final cost-benefit analysis will be included in the concluding report to the Board, along with findings regarding system scalability and long-term deployment strategies.

WEAPONS DETECTION ONBOARD BUSES

Metro’s exploration of bus-based weapons detection represents a first-of-its-kind initiative; the effort requires designing, engineering, product development, and installing a system that can accommodate different bus models.

On March 6, the vendor surveyed two buses from Metro’s fleet, and a cost proposal was provided to Metro for a two-bus and one-station pilot, the scope covering one 40-foot bus, one 60-foot bus, and a fixed installation at Union Station West. Following a technical review of the scope, cost proposal, system architecture, and vehicle plans, staff have determined that the proposed solution is viable for a multi-stage, proof-of-concept deployment. As a result, Metro is proceeding with a sole-source procurement to initiate the pilot under a structured, phased approach that includes a fixed-location installation and two bus-based options.

The onboard weapons detection proof-of-concept pilot will begin with a baseline deployment at a fixed location incorporating dual detection units, cloud-connected AI-enhanced IP cameras, and integration with Metro’s Genetec video management system. This baseline deployment is designed to validate core system functionality, alert generation, false positives, integration stability, and ease of operations in a controlled environment. The fixed-location implementation will allow staff to assess real-time performance data, operator feedback, throughput metrics, and response workflows before advancing to mobile configurations.

Critically, the outcomes of the fixed deployment will inform Metro’s decision on whether to exercise Option 1 (installation on a 60-foot articulated bus) and Option 2 (installation on a 40-foot standard bus). These vehicle-based options remain contingent on multiple criteria: demonstrated system performance, cost-effectiveness, infrastructure compatibility, and operational need. This staged structure allows Metro to manage technical and financial risk while preserving flexibility for expansion if justified by pilot results.

VIDEO ANALYTICS BRANDISHED FIREARM DETECTION

Staff continue to make progress evaluating video and camera system upgrades required to support brandished firearm detection. Metro met with the highest-performing vendor from prior testing throughout March and requested detailed technical and site assessment documentation. SSLE has started to coordinate internal reviews and data population.

In April, Metro staff met to review proposed camera specifications. The current state of CCTV and network systems at rail station locations is similar to other Metro locations, such as rail and bus divisions. The conditions described below, such as insufficient resolution, low frame rates, and constrained network bandwidth, are informed by prior project experience, routine system maintenance, and ongoing troubleshooting efforts. These observations, while grounded in operational knowledge, do not yet reflect the results of a formal, systemwide infrastructure evaluation.

To address this, a formal systemwide infrastructure review is scheduled to begin in July 2025. This effort will be led by the Information Technology Services (ITS), Infrastructure Maintenance & Engineering (IM&E), and Vehicle Maintenance & Engineering departments in coordination with SSLE. The review will encompass the following components:

•                     A location-by-location audit of existing CCTV equipment, including camera models, placement, resolution, field of view, frame rate, and age.

•                     An evaluation of back-end video management systems and storage capabilities, including server capacity and redundancy.

•                     A network bandwidth analysis to determine current transmission speeds.

•                     Identification of critical infrastructure gaps that may limit the integration of video analytics solutions.

•                     The development of an upgrade roadmap and phased implementation plan aligned with system priorities.

Findings from this review will inform a formal infrastructure readiness assessment, which will be included in an update to the Board later this year, at a date to be determined.                     

As a preliminary measure, staff have included the table below, which provides a comparison between Metro’s current CCTV system capabilities and the technical requirements necessary for the successful implementation of real-time firearm detection analytics:

ITS, IM&E, Vehicle Maintenance & Engineering systems groups will conduct a comprehensive review of existing infrastructure, which will form the basis of the final assessment on the state of system readiness prepared by SSLE. Ultimately, the assessment and its findings will be presented to the Board within the extended 12-month pilot timeframe.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

SSLE staff have presented to different community advisory groups on the topic of passenger screenings and weapons detections. Updates on the findings from the initial pilots have most recently been presented to the Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) on March 13, 2025, Metro's Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) on April 3, 2025, and the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) on May 7, 2025. Staff plan to present a follow-up briefing to the TAC and incorporate feedback from these stakeholders into the findings of the pilot expansion. Metro is also working more closely with the AAC to ensure that system design and operations consider the needs of riders with disabilities. These ongoing engagements support community engagement and informed implementation throughout the 12-month pilot period.

Additionally, staff have been documenting public comments on the weapons detection pilot at Metro Board meetings. MTS personnel staffed at the selected stations have received informal feedback from passengers, both positive and critical, regarding the pilot. When a rider requests to make a complaint or share an opinion, MTS collects and records all public input. To date, riders have not submitted any complaints or comments. SSLE is also working with the Customer Experience department to develop a survey, which will be another avenue for the public to share their feedback. The link to the survey will be included on signage posted at the screening locations.

Equity_Platform

EQUITY PLATFORM

The weapons detection initiatives discussed have been reviewed and are in alignment with Metro’s Bias-Free Policing and Data Analytics policies. These screening technologies do not employ facial recognition, and staff utilize pedestrian count intervals to select passengers for secondary screening, minimizing opportunities for profiling. All deployments are reviewed for any ADA accessibility concerns to ensure all riders are able to transit through Metro stations without any negative impacts. Furthermore, staff are working closely with Metro’s AAC to identify additional opportunities to improve the screening process for those with accessibility needs. MTS personnel ensure the walk-through systems are set up with an unobstructed 34 inches of space, providing adequate room for wheelchairs and mobility scooters to pass through. As mentioned above, staff is developing a public feedback survey to better understand public sentiment. To ensure that public sentiment is adequately captured, riders will be asked in the survey to identify if their feedback is based on their overall opinion of the pilot or personal experience with the screening system. Utilizing specific metrics to assess the effectiveness of concealed weapons screening addresses concerns about bias, as staff are committed to being transparent about this process.

Vehicle_Miles_Traveled _Outcome

VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED OUTCOME

VMT and VMT per capita in Los Angeles County are lower than national averages, the lowest in the SCAG region, and on the lower end of VMT per capita statewide, with these declining VMT trends due in part to Metro’s significant investment in rail and bus transit.* Metro’s Board-adopted VMT reduction targets align with California’s statewide climate goals, including achieving carbon neutrality by 2045. To ensure continued progress, all Board items are assessed for their potential impact on VMT.

As part of these ongoing efforts, this item is expected to contribute to further reductions in VMT. This item supports Metro’s systemwide strategy to reduce VMT through operational activities that will improve and further encourage transit ridership, ridesharing, and active transportation. Metro’s Board-adopted VMT reduction targets were designed to build on the success of existing investments, and this item aligns with those objectives.

*Based on population estimates from the United States Census and VMT estimates from Caltrans’ Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) data between 2001-2019.

Implementation_of_Strategic_Plan_Goals

IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS

The recommendation supports Strategic Plan Goals #2.1: Deliver outstanding trip experiences for all users of the transportation system; Metro is committed to improving security and #5.6: Provide responsive, accountable, and trustworthy governance within the Metro organization; Metro will foster and maintain a strong safety culture.

Next_Steps

NEXT STEPS

Metro staff will continue with the implementation of the CEIA OpenGate pilot, rotating deployments at select station entrances, which are not identified for operational security purposes, in accordance with 49 CFR § 1520.5 (b)(8)(i). Staff will monitor key performance indicators related to throughput, false positives, customer experience, and staffing requirements, and refine screening operations accordingly.

For the onboard bus detection pilot, SSLE will work to implement the proposed pilot.

In parallel, SSLE and Metro’s technology groups will advance the agency-wide infrastructure assessment required to support brandished firearm detection and take advantage of the effort to assess readiness for integrating other video analytics solutions. This includes completing site evaluations, confirming equipment compatibility, and developing a phased upgrade plan for key facilities.

The next quarterly report will be submitted to the Board in September 2025 with updated findings, refined evaluations, and recommendations on long-term deployment strategies based on pilot outcomes.

Attachments

ATTACHMENTS

Attachment A - Board Motion 39

Attachment B - Board Motion 34.1

Prepared_by

Prepared by:                      Robert Gummer, Deputy Chief, System Security and Law Enforcement Officer, (213) 922-4513

Aldon Bordenave, Deputy Executive Officer, System Security and Law Enforcement, (213) 922-4404

Nicholas Kappos, Director, Physical Security, (213) 922-4386

Reviewed_By

Reviewed by:                      Kenneth Hernandez, Interim Chief Transit Safety Officer, Chief Safety Office, (213) 922-2290

Jennifer Vides, Chief Customer Experience Officer, Customer Experience Office, (213) 940-4060