From Hype to Help: Using AI in Public Safety Settings

Darek Pleasants is a public safety leader with over 30 years of experience across government, including as a senior executive with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and instructor at the U.S. State Departments International Law Enforcement Academies. He now serves as Director of Strategic Engagement at Microsoft, where he helps agencies modernize investigations and field operations through integrated technology.

Darek brings a rare blend of operational insight and tech-savvy leadership to support agencies in improving officer safety, data-sharing, and interagency collaboration. His work focuses on empowering teams with tools that drive faster, smarter, and more transparent policing. Darek is committed to helping law enforcement agencies build trust and effectiveness in today’s complex threat landscape.

David Williams is a key member of Microsoft’s worldwide government team focused on Public Safety and Justice. He is passionate about the application of technology to augment and assist the great people protecting citizens globally. He works closely with partners, field teams and customers in this space to find solutions that support mission requirements.

Dave is also a current Fellow at the Future Policing Institute (FPI) and a member of FPI Artificial Intelligence Working Group
Prior to joining Microsoft, Dave spent 10 years in various roles in technology companies focused on intelligence, investigations, and data analytics. He has consulted on solutions and problem solving across the globe in the defense and intelligence space as well as law enforcement agencies at all levels. Dave also retired as a Major from the United States Army where he served for 24 years as an enlisted soldier, noncommissioned officer and commissioned officer in the Infantry, Signal and Civil Affairs branches.

Dorian Deligeorges is the Co-founder and CEO of Kaseware, a leading investigative platform built by former FBI agents and technologists. With a deep background in mission-critical software development and real-world investigative work, Dorian’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping the company’s strategic vision.

In 2009, he and co-founder Nathan Burrows were tasked with rescuing the FBI’s case management overhaul—ultimately delivering Sentinel, the Bureau’s now-primary records management system. Their solution replaced a failing legacy effort and was fully deployed by 2012, earning them the FBI Director’s Award, the Attorney General’s Award for IT Program Management Excellence, and recognition from the Computerworld Honors Program. At Kaseware, Dorian continues to bring innovation to the forefront of public safety and intelligence technology, empowering agencies around the world with modern, scalable tools.

Rob Oesch is a seasoned public safety technology leader with over two decades of experience developing mission-critical software for law enforcement and emergency services. Beginning his career in 2001 as a software developer for a local law enforcement agency in Tacoma, Washington, he crafted police reporting software to enhance scene documentation and dispatch monitoring. His career trajectory led him to South Sound 911, where he served as Assistant Director of IT and Records, earning recognition in the “40 Under 40” class for his leadership and community impact. He later joined a Fortune 500 company, contributing to large-scale software solutions for thousands of law enforcement customers. In 2023, Rob joined Kaseware as the Director of Product Management, leveraging his extensive experience to enhance the platform’s flexibility and configurability, ensuring it meets the unique needs of agencies of all sizes. His commitment to public safety and innovative approach continue to drive advancements in investigative tools for clients worldwide.