In anticipation of GSX, we sat down with presenters of upcoming sessions in order to get a better understanding of the topics at hand. This week we are featuring, “Building Partnerships Between City and School Law Enforcement Through Technology,” presented by Eric Tan, CIO and Chief Security Officer at Flock Safety. Read on for what he had to say and don’t forget to register for GSX 2025!
Q: How did you become interested in your topic?
A: My interest really took off when I started working closely with public safety and national security teams. I saw how emerging technologies—especially AI and real-time data—were becoming foundational, not just for innovation, but for mission-critical decisions. That’s when it clicked: if we don’t build security into these systems from the start, we’re leaving too much to chance.
Q: Tell us about your presentation and why security professionals should have this topic on their radar.
A: I’m focused on the convergence of AI, cybersecurity, and public infrastructure—specifically, how these technologies are creating both new opportunities and new vulnerabilities. As security professionals, we’re no longer just defending networks—we’re safeguarding public trust. This topic matters because the decisions being made today will shape the risk landscape for years to come. If we don’t get ahead of it, we’ll be stuck playing catch-up.
Q: What advice would you give security professionals interested in this topic?
A: First, be proactive. Get involved early in how systems are being designed—not just how they’re secured. Second, stay connected to both the tech and the people. Security is no longer a siloed function; it’s a team sport across engineering, legal, compliance, and business. And finally, keep learning. This space is moving fast, and those who stay curious will lead the way.
Q: How do you see this issue evolving in the next 2–5 years?
A: We’ll see a rapid acceleration—both in terms of threats and regulatory scrutiny. Attackers will get more sophisticated, leveraging AI for everything from social engineering to deepfakes. At the same time, boards and regulators will demand more visibility, more accountability, and more investment in AI governance. The organizations that succeed will be the ones that embed trust and resilience into the foundation—not just the surface.
Q: Why do you attend GSX?
A: GSX brings together a uniquely cross-functional group of leaders. It’s one of the few places where security, operations, and technology intersect at a strategic level. I come to learn from peers, share what’s working, and stay plugged into the real-world challenges others are facing. The conversations here shape how I lead.