The recent delivery of the Evolv gun scanner to the precinct near Chinatown marks a significant development as New York City grapples with safety concerns. This initiative is a direct response to a series of violent incidents within the subway system earlier this year, prompting Mayor Eric Adams to propose the installation of gun scanners at subway stations. However, this decision has ignited a debate regarding the scanners’ effectiveness.

Sources reported by the Daily News reveal that the Department of Investigation (DOI) has been scrutinizing the city government’s choice to purchase gun scanners from Evolv Technologies, a Massachusetts-based firm, since August. A key aspect of the investigation centers on the review process the city employed prior to allowing the installation of these scanners.

Months ago, Mayor Adams claimed that the scanners would help deter passengers from carrying weapons into the subway. Still, doubts have arisen from technology and advocacy groups regarding the scanners’ ability to function effectively in such a complex environment.

Adams first advocated for this technology shortly after taking office in 2022. In February of that year, Evolv set up a scanner at a medical center in the Bronx as part of a pilot project in collaboration with the city. At that time, Adams expressed his desire to broaden the use of these scanners, which were briefly placed at City Hall in May 2022.

Diane Akerman, a lawyer with the Legal Aid Society, has raised significant concerns about the city’s decision-making process in selecting these devices, critiquing the apparent lack of transparency and oversight. Despite this, city officials insist that all pilot machines are currently being operated without any costs incurred.

While both Adams and the New York Police Department (NYPD) have publicly acknowledged their willingness to consider new bidders, no alternative companies have surfaced as of now. Interestingly, sources indicate that Dominick D’Orazio, a retired NYPD deputy inspector, is acting as the sales representative for Evolv in New York and maintains close ties with Philip Banks, the recently resigned deputy mayor for public safety. The two have reportedly discussed potential collaborative initiatives.

City records show that D’Orazio was the captain of the Brooklyn South narcotics unit while Banks served as deputy chief of the Brooklyn South precinct concurrently. Public documents reveal that Banks had at least four meetings with Evolv officials during 2022, with D’Orazio attending the initial meeting on February 7.

On February 17, Banks, accompanied by Evolv representatives, visited the Bronx medical center. Shortly thereafter, on February 23, Adams unveiled plans to install scanners in schools, a project that ultimately did not materialize. However, in May of this year, Banks clarified to the media that he had never engaged with D’Orazio in his role as a sales manager.