Leapodcasts

Episode: 00318 Released on May 11, 2026 Description:  What happens when an analyst trusts the data even when no one else does?This week on Analyst Talk with Jason Elder, host Jason Elder sits down with Brandy Schiber to discuss her unique journey into law enforcement analysis, from studying psychology and criminal behavior to becoming a respected intelligence analyst and instructor. Brandy shares how professors helped shape her path away from clinical psychology and into intelligence analysis, where her passion for understanding behavior and identifying patterns found a home.Brandy dives into several career defining cases, including a multi state serial robbery investigation where predictive analysis identified the exact gas station the offender would target next. She also opens up about difficult lessons involving office politics, integrity, and the emotional toll of cases where analysts are not heard quickly enough. The conversation explores intelligence led policing, geographic profiling, the importance of internships, returning to the profession after time away, and how analysts can continue learning throughout their careers. Brandy also discusses her work with International Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysts and her efforts to strengthen outreach and support for analysts entering the field.
From predictive analysis to professional integrity, this episode is a powerful reminder that analysts must stay curious, stay ethical, and always let the data tell the story. 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking! [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.]Name Drops: Steve Young (00:05:18), Patrick Lewis (00:06:59), Jason Warren (00:21:08), Kim Rossmo (00:28:42), Betty Pitel/Sylvia Gomez (00:55:22) Ben Marconi (01:06:32), Phil Powell/Olivia Moore/Kelly Kimsey (01:18:00), Jerry Ratcliffe (01:29:31)Public Service Announcements: Robert Aboumitri (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-robert-aboumitri-the-triple-v-analyst/) Megan Cruz (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-megan-cruz-from-burnout-to-leadership/) Dr. Greg Thomas (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-dr-greg-thomas-%e2%80%93-from-organized-crime-to-geoint/) Related Links: www.ialeia.org Geographic Profiling - https://www.ecricanada.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl/dp/0807014273 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17899948-rebecca https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Keys-Freemasonry-Also-Fraternity/dp/B002X7QPQ6 Association(s) Mentioned: IALEIAVendor(s) Mentioned: Contact:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandy-thomas-ms/  Transcript:  https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/jakkkppiksp7zupj/BrandySchiber_transcript.pdf  Podcast Writer: Podcast Researcher: Theme Song: Written and Recorded by The Rough & Tumble. Find more of their music at www.theroughandtumble.com.Logo: Designed by Kyle McMullen. Please visit www.moderntype.com for any printable business forms and planners. Podcast Email: leapodcasts@gmail.com  Podcast Webpage: www.leapodcasts.com  Podcast X: @leapodcasts00:30:12 – Break: Aboumitri, Cruz, & Thomas
00:00:17 – Introducing Brandy00:09:13 – Eidetic memory and dyslexia discussion00:13:42 – Why graduate school became necessary00:19:11 – Graduate internship with Texas OIG00:22:53 – Moving to South Carolina and CompStat work00:27:24 – Break: Aboumitri, Cruz, & Thomas00:28:42 – Predicting a serial robbery suspect’s next target00:40:30 – Serial offender investigations in San Antonio00:45:27 – Office politics and analyst integrity00:50:39 – The serial rapist investigation01:05:19 – Break: Aboumitri, Cruz, & Thomas01:06:16 – Leaving analysis to become an instructor01:08:53 – Returning to the profession after five years away01:16:05 – Building IALEIA strategic outreach01:25:29 – Brandy’s passion for reading and psychology01:29:31 – Words to the World: Be a lifelong learner

Episode: 00317 Released on May 4, 2026 Description:  This week on Analyst Talk, Jason sits down with Timothy J. Smith, a former CIA analyst who helped reshape how intelligence professionals think about data and decision-making. Tim shares his journey from building a UN voting analysis tool that uncovered global alignment trends to leading the development of the Global Power Index (an effort focused on quantifying national power in a meaningful, actionable way). He explains how analysts can turn complex, qualitative concepts into measurable insights, while still acknowledging uncertainty. The conversation also dives into analytic tradecraft, emphasizing how clear writing and audience-focused communication are essential for impact. Whether you're working with data, briefing leadership, or refining your craft, this episode offers practical lessons on turning analysis into influence. 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking! [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.]Name Drops: David Singer (00:22:40), David Cariens (01:18:21)Public Service Announcements: Robert Aboumitri (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-robert-aboumitri-the-triple-v-analyst/) Megan Cruz (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-megan-cruz-from-burnout-to-leadership/) Dr. Greg Thomas (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-dr-greg-thomas-%e2%80%93-from-organized-crime-to-geoint/) Related Links: https://www.cia.gov/ https://www.rand.org/ https://rcmp.ca/en https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Fast-Slow-Daniel-Kahneman/dp/0374533555 Association(s) Mentioned: Vendor(s) Mentioned: Contact:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-j-smith-66b1b9173/ , timothyjsmith007@gmail.com   Transcript:  https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/aengqh3v6usnjep7/TimSmith_transcript.pdf  Podcast Writer: Podcast Researcher: Theme Song: Written and Recorded by The Rough & Tumble. Find more of their music at www.theroughandtumble.com.Logo: Designed by Kyle McMullen. Please visit www.moderntype.com for any printable business forms and planners. Podcast Email: leapodcasts@gmail.com  Podcast Webpage: www.leapodcasts.com  Podcast X: @leapodcasts
00:00:17 – Introducing Timothy00:04:13 – Getting recruited by the CIA00:10:55 – Building the UN voting tool00:17:41 – Developing the Global Power Index00:30:12 – Break: Aboumitri, Cruz, & Thomas00:32:22 – Measuring hard-to-quantify concepts00:51:09 – Transition to consulting & training00:52:32 – Break: Aboumitri, Cruz, & Thomas00:58:17 – Writing principles for analysts01:11:22 – Advice for analysts01:14:00 – Personal Interests:  Out of the Park Baseball01:20:53 – Word to the World

Episode: 00316 Released on April 27, 2026 Description:  This week on Analyst Talk with Jason Elder, Jason sits down with Dr. Scott Keay, a seasoned intelligence analyst turned academic, to explore his 20-year journey in law enforcement analysis and beyond. Scott shares how curiosity, travel, and mentorship shaped his career, from early days supporting tactical policing to leading innovative analytical work and contributing to major investigations. He dives into the evolution of intelligence analysis, the challenges of integrating analysts into policing, and the importance of evidence-based practices. The conversation also highlights his transition into academia, the recent development of his book Improving Intelligence Analysis in Policing, and his passion for advancing the profession through research and education. This episode is packed with insight on bridging theory and practice, building effective analyst units, and why analysts must remain teachable and proactive in their craft. 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking! [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.]Name Drops: Lawrence Sherman/John Eck (00:09:26), Janet Evans/Cody Gabbard (00:12:11), Stuart Kirby (00:20:11), Rachel Boba-Santos (00:26:35), Jerry Ratciffe/Nina Cope/Mark Evans (00:36:15), Malcolm Sparrow/Ken Pease (00:55:41), Steve Marrin (01:10:56), Keith Jackson/Paige Keningale/Dani Williams/Helen Taylor/Steve French/Jeremy Levin/Alexis Cran (01:25:46)Public Service Announcements: Dr. Eliann Carr on the Crime Analyst Census Survey Link to survey:  https://form.jotform.com/251745683433058 Dr. Andrew Wheeler on his new book:  Large Language Models for Mortalshttps://crimede-coder.com/cdcstore/product/large-language-models-for-mortals/ Promo code: LEAPLLM to get $20 off the book purchaseRelated Links: https://www.routledge.com/Improving-Intelligence-Analysis-in-Policing/Kirby-Keay/p/book/9781032914817 https://www.acia.org.uk/ https://www.leapodcasts.com/?s=acia https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/ https://www.lancashire.police.uk/ 
Association(s) Mentioned:  IALEIA, ACIAVendor(s) Mentioned: Contact:  keays@edgehill.ac.uk, https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottkeay/ Transcript:  https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/6gb2xbty2cv8m5w6/ScottKeay_Transcript.pdf  Podcast Writer: Podcast Researcher: Theme Song: Written and Recorded by The Rough & Tumble. Find more of their music at www.theroughandtumble.com.Logo: Designed by Kyle McMullen. Please visit www.moderntype.com for any printable business forms and planners. Podcast Email: leapodcasts@gmail.com  Podcast Webpage: www.leapodcasts.com  Podcast X: @leapodcasts
00:00:17 – Introducing Scott00:01:00 – Scott Keay’s Background and Career Start00:05:30 – First Experiences as an Analyst00:12:00 – Early Challenges in Intelligence Analysis00:20:30 – Problem-Oriented Policing and Impact00:42:00 – Analyst Badge Story: CSE Case Study00:50:30 – Transition from Policing to Academia01:07:00 – Writing Improving Intelligence Analysis in Policing01:24:00 – Advice for Analysts and Police Leaders01:38:30 – Words to the World

Episode: 00315 Released on April 20, 2026 Description:  In this episode of Analyst Talk with Jason Elder, Megan Cruz shares her journey from discovering law enforcement analysis after 9/11 to becoming a crime analyst supervisor with the Richmond Police Department. With 13 years of experience and a Master’s in Homeland Security, Megan reflects on early challenges with confidence, the importance of curiosity in analysis, and how a Newton Swoope helped identify a theft series tied to a drug operation. She also discusses working a complex serial assault case, the impact of burnout during the 2020 civil unrest, and her return to the profession with a renewed sense of purpose. Megan offers insight into leading a rebuilding unit, balancing specialization and generalization, and why analysts must recognize their value in shaping decisions and supporting public safety. 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking! [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.]This episode contains the fan-favorite segment “Don't Be That Analyst”!Amanda Schenk (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-amanda-schenk-the-successful-applicant/) Mandy Calley (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-mandy-calley-go-gators/) Patrick Baldwin (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/patrick-baldwin-snake-bit-by-technology/) Anthony Bush (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-anthony-bush-jail-calls-rock/) Cynthia Peterman (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-cynthia-peterman-living-the-analyst-dream/) Name Drops:  Chris Cruz (00:00:44 https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-christopher-cruz-from-analyst-to-technologist-to-ai-leader/ https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-chris-cruz-the-crowned-jewel-analyst/  ), Dr. Jerry Radcliffe (00:55:59)Public Service Announcements: Dr. Eliann Carr on the Crime Analyst Census Survey Link to survey:  https://form.jotform.com/251745683433058 Dr. Andrew Wheeler on his new book:  Large Language Models for Mortalshttps://crimede-coder.com/cdcstore/product/large-language-models-for-mortals/ Promo code: LEAPLLM to get $20 off the book purchaseRelated Links: https://www.rva.gov/police https://vsp.virginia.gov/stay-informed-if-you-know-something-or-see-something-say-something/ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jip.1566 
Association(s) Mentioned:  Vendor(s) Mentioned: Contact:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-cruz-m-s-88861421b/ Transcript:  https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/cyfj6jmx8uyqucrx/MeganCruz_transcript.pdf Podcast Writer: Podcast Researcher: Theme Song: Written and Recorded by The Rough & Tumble. Find more of their music at www.theroughandtumble.com.Logo: Designed by Kyle McMullen. Please visit www.moderntype.com for any printable business forms and planners. Podcast Email: leapodcasts@gmail.com  Podcast Webpage: www.leapodcasts.com  Podcast X: @leapodcasts
00:00:00 Introduction to Megan Cruz00:02:00 Discovering law enforcement analysis after 9/1100:06:00 Fusion centers vs real time crime centers explained00:18:00 Using Newton Swoop to solve a theft series00:28:00 Working a serial assault case and linking incidents00:34:00 Burnout during 2020 and stepping away from policing00:40:00 Returning as a supervisor and rebuilding a unit00:50:00 Advice for analysts confidence and curiosity01:04:42 Don’t Be That Analyst01:16:09 Words to the World

Episode: 00314 Released on April 13, 2026 Description:  In this episode of Analyst Talk with Jason Elder, recently retired RCMP analyst Robert Aboumitri shares insights from a 24 year career that helped shape modern communications data analysis including analyzing 46 billion call detail records in a landmark international investigation. A certified expert witness in communications data analysis and geospatial analysis, with 24 years of RCMP experience and international investigative work, Robert brings a unique perspective to the evolution of intelligence work. From pioneering cell site analysis to building specialized analytical units and training analysts worldwide, he breaks down the Triple V of modern data, volume which refers to the massive amounts of data being created, variety which reflects the many different formats and sources of data, and velocity which captures the speed at which data is generated and must be processed. He further discusses the growing role of technical skills and the realities of managing analysts while reminding us that behind every dataset are real people impacted by the work. 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking! [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.]Name Drops:  David Grabelski (00:01:14 https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-david-grabelski-the-life-triangle/ )Public Service Announcements: Dr. Eliann Carr on the Crime Analyst Census Survey Link to survey:  https://form.jotform.com/251745683433058 Dr. Andrew Wheeler on his new book:  Large Language Models for Mortalshttps://crimede-coder.com/cdcstore/product/large-language-models-for-mortals/ Promo code: LEAPLLM to get $20 off the book purchaseRelated Links: Intelct.com IA + AI - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/analyst-algorithm-how-turn-ai-your-ultimate-wingman-robert-aboumitri-ozkie/ https://rcmp.ca/en https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assassination_of_Rafic_Hariri Gazette Article:  https://share.google/n7T9OzxM1PpSKR3FZ 
Association(s) Mentioned:  Vendor(s) Mentioned: Contact:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-aboumitri/ Transcript:  https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/wruuqhirvuhww823/Robert_Aboumitri_transcriptbahoy.pdf Podcast Writer: Podcast Researcher: Theme Song: Written and Recorded by The Rough & Tumble. Find more of their music at www.theroughandtumble.com.Logo: Designed by Kyle McMullen. Please visit www.moderntype.com for any printable business forms and planners. Podcast Email: leapodcasts@gmail.com  Podcast Webpage: www.leapodcasts.com  Podcast X: @leapodcasts
00:00:17 – Introducing Robert00:01:00 – From marketing research to intelligence analyst after 9/1100:09:30 – Discovering cell site analysis and Excel-driven breakthroughs00:13:30 – UN investigation and analyzing 46 billion records00:23:30 – Building a communications data analysis unit00:34:30 – Data challenges: volume, variety, velocity and AI00:44:00 – Managing analysts and matching strengths to roles01:03:00 – Words to the World
 

Episode: 00313 Released on April 6, 2026 Description:  In this special deep dive episode, Jason Elder sits down with Kelly Kimsey to walk through everything you need to know about the 2026 LEIU/IALEIA Annual Training Event in Orlando, Florida. Featuring sessions on AI, OSINT, critical thinking, wearable technology, and high-profile intelligence case studies including a CIA panel on the Bin Laden pursuit, this episode highlights the speakers and topics you won’t want to miss. From registration tips and pre-conference courses to keynote sessions, certification tracks, and networking opportunities, this episode serves as your complete guide to maximizing the conference experience. Whether you're attending for the first time or you're a seasoned analyst, you’ll gain insight into how to prepare, what to expect, and how to make the most of one of the profession’s premier events. Fun fact: the conference location is within walking distance of a piece of the Berlin Wall and Butterbeer for Harry Potter fans. 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking! [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.]Name Drops:  Randy Stickley (00:05:02), Mark Glass (00:13:07), John Cohen (00:19:48), Sean Rambaran (00:24:58)Public Service Announcements: Dr. Eliann Carr on the Crime Analyst Census Survey Link to survey:  https://form.jotform.com/251745683433058 Dr. Andrew Wheeler on his new book:  Large Language Models for Mortalshttps://crimede-coder.com/cdcstore/product/large-language-models-for-mortals/ Promo code: LEAPLLM to get $20 off the book purchaseLearn from those who built it:  https://www.leapodcasts.com/?s=IALEIA Related Links: Conference Flyer:  https://www.ialeia.org/docs/2026_Orlando_Flyer.30Mar25.pdf Conference Homepage:  https://web.cvent.com/event/fece0c63-b166-4ebb-bdfb-f09bfa56b29b/summary https://leiu.org/ https://www.ialeia.org/ Kelly’s Podcast Episode:  https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-kelly-kimsey-bram-stoker-s-analyst/ Conference Speakers Who Were on Analyst Talk Podcast
Sean Rambaran (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-sean-rambaran-the-let-bylaws-be-bygones-analyst/)
Akshara Kumavat (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-%c2%a0akshata-kumavat-the-offender-focused-analyst-1659959048/)
Stacy Belledin (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/stacy-belledin-the-voice/) 
Association(s) Mentioned:  IALEIA, LEIU Vendor(s) Mentioned: Contact:   chapterdirector@IALEIA.org;  conference@leiu.org    Transcript:  https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/tm65y2p5b8gnwaci/LEIU_IALEIA_Conf_Transcript.pdf Podcast Writer: Podcast Researcher: Theme Song: Written and Recorded by The Rough & Tumble. Find more of their music at www.theroughandtumble.com.Logo: Designed by Kyle McMullen. Please visit www.moderntype.com for any printable business forms and planners. Podcast Email: leapodcasts@gmail.com  Podcast Webpage: www.leapodcasts.com  Podcast X: @leapodcasts00:00:17 – Welcome and episode overview - Conference Home (link)00:02:00 – Conference dates, location, and registration tips-Conference Details (link)-Registration (link)00:04:00 – Pre-conference courses (OSINT and ArcGIS)-Pre-Conference Training (link)-Costs (link)00:07:00 – Opening day and keynote session preview - Agenda Overview (link)00:13:00 – CIA Bin Laden pursuit panel discussion (link)00:19:00 – AI, briefings, and wearable technology sessions (link)00:27:00 – Breakout tracks, certifications, and networking opportunities-Conference Details / Tracks (link)-Breakout Tracks (link)-Speakers (link)-Earn Certificates (link)

Episode: 00312 Released on March 30, 2026 Description:  In this episode of Analyst Talk, Jason Elder welcomes back Dr. Andrew Wheeler, who recently authored the book Large Language Models for Mortals, to explore how large language models are transforming the work of analysts. Moving beyond chatbots, Andrew breaks down practical applications such as extracting insights from reports, automating workflows, and integrating AI with tools like SQL and Excel. He explains key concepts like APIs and retrieval augmented generation in a way analysts can understand, while also addressing risks like hallucinations and reliability issues. This conversation focuses on what analysts can realistically build today, what skills matter most, and how AI will reshape the profession without replacing the need for human judgment. 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking! [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.]Name Drops:Public Service Announcements: Dr. Eliann Carr on the Crime Analyst Census Survey Link to survey:  https://form.jotform.com/251745683433058 Related Links: Large Language Models for Mortals: A Practical Guide for Analysts with Python, https://crimede-coder.com/blogposts/2026/LLMsForMortalsPromo Code:  LEAPLLM for $20 off LLM paperback and epubPrevious Analyst Talk Podcast:  https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-dr-andrew-wheeler-crime-de-coder/ Analyst Talk AI Series:  https://www.leapodcasts.com/?s=AI Association(s) Mentioned: Vendor(s) Mentioned: Contact: andrew.wheeler@crimede-coder.com, https://www.linkedin.com/company/crime-de-coder/ Transcript:  https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/xnj5k9n9u4553axk/CruzLLMs_transcripts.pdf Podcast Writer: Podcast Researcher: Theme Song: Written and Recorded by The Rough & Tumble. Find more of their music at www.theroughandtumble.com.Logo: Designed by Kyle McMullen. Please visit www.moderntype.com for any printable business forms and planners. Podcast Email: leapodcasts@gmail.com  Podcast Webpage: www.leapodcasts.com  Podcast X: @leapodcasts
00:00:17 Introducing Andrew00:01:00 Why Andrew wrote LLMs for Mortals00:06:00 What LLM APIs actually are00:10:00 Practical use cases for analysts00:20:00 What is RAG and why it matters00:30:00 Hallucinations and reliability risks00:39:00 Will AI replace analysts?

Episode: 00311 Released on March 23, 2026 Description: In this 12th installment of the Before You Leap deep dive series, Randy Stickley joins Jason Elder to break down one of the most critical challenges in intelligence work: the confidence–accuracy gap. Why do analysts sometimes express high confidence in incorrect assessments or low confidence in correct ones? Randy explores the underlying causes, including epistemic limits, time pressure, bias, and the illusion of precision. He also discusses the real-world consequences, from intelligence failures to missed warning signs, and offers practical solutions to improve analytical rigor. This episode is a must-listen for analysts looking to sharpen their critical thinking, improve communication, and produce more reliable intelligence products. 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking! [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.]Get to know more about Randy by listening to his episodes on Analyst Talk With Jason Elder: https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-randy-stickley-the-self-promoter/ https://www.leapodcasts.com/?s=BeforeYouLeap 
Name Drops:Public Service Announcements: Dr. Andrew Wheeler on his new book:  Large Language Models for Mortalshttps://crimede-coder.com/cdcstore/product/large-language-models-for-mortals/ Promo code: LEAPLLM to get $20 off the book purchaseDr. Eliann Carr on the Crime Analyst Census Survey Link to survey:  https://form.jotform.com/251745683433058 Related Links:  Rethinking Thought https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJ82G1PL/ref=tsm_1_fb_lk https://www.amazon.com/Intelligence-Secrets-Mark-M-Lowenthal/dp/1544325061 Richards Heuer – Psychology of Intelligence Analysishttps://www.ialeia.org/docs/Psychology_of_Intelligence_Analysis.pdf Mark Lowenthal – Intelligence: From Secrets to Policyhttps://study.sagepub.com/system/files/lowenthal6e_im.pdf Sherman Kent – Words of Estimative Probabilityhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Words_of_estimative_probability Analysis of Competing Hypotheses (ACH)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Analysis_of_competing_hypotheses CIA – A Tradecraft Primer: Structured Analytic Techniqueshttps://www.cia.gov/resources/csi/static/Tradecraft-Primer-apr09.pdf Association(s) Mentioned: 
Vendor(s) Mentioned: 
Contact: randall.c.stickleyii@gmail.com; https://www.linkedin.com/in/randall-stickley-36b0a5109/  
Transcript:  No transcripts due to technical issue 
Podcast Writer: 
Podcast Researcher: 
Theme Song: Written and Recorded by The Rough & Tumble. Find more of their music at www.theroughandtumble.com.
Logo: Designed by Kyle McMullen. Please visit www.moderntype.com for any printable business forms and planners. 
Podcast Email: leapodcasts@gmail.com  
Podcast Webpage: www.leapodcasts.com  
Podcast X: @leapodcasts

Episode: 00310 Released on March 16, 2026 Description:  In this episode of Analyst Talk with Jason Elder, Dr. Greg Thomas returns to the show to discuss his journey from investigating organized crime to teaching geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) at Penn State University. Greg reflects on the early days of intelligence analysis, his work with the Pennsylvania Crime Commission and Pennsylvania State Police, and how the profession expanded dramatically after 9/11. The conversation also highlights the role of the International Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysts (IALEIA) in shaping analyst training, standards, and professional development. Greg discusses the Foundations of Intelligence Analysis Training (FIAT), IALEIA analytic standards, and the importance of professional involvement in advancing the field. Listeners will also hear Greg’s perspective on geospatial intelligence, artificial intelligence in analysis, and why critical thinking, writing, and communication remain core skills for analysts. Greg closes by sharing career advice for analysts and emphasizing the importance of maintaining balance outside of work.🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking! [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.]Name Drops:Public Service Announcements: Dr. Eliann Carr on the Crime Analyst Census Survey Link to survey:  https://form.jotform.com/251745683433058 Related Links: Analytic Standards, 2nd edition - https://bja.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh186/files/media/document/law_enforcement_analytic_standards_04202_combined_compliant.pdfPenn State’s geospatial program - https://geospatial.psu.edu/IALEIA Journal of Intelligence and Analysis - https://www.ialeia.org/journal_of_intelligence_and_an.php
Association(s) Mentioned:  IALEIA, LEIUVendor(s) Mentioned: Contact: gat5@psu.edu, https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-thomas-b2320432/ Transcript:   https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/prnrfbvsee8mhzsg/GregThomas_transcripts.pdf Podcast Writer: Podcast Researcher: Theme Song: Written and Recorded by The Rough & Tumble. Find more of their music at www.theroughandtumble.com.Logo: Designed by Kyle McMullen. Please visit www.moderntype.com for any printable business forms and planners. Podcast Email: leapodcasts@gmail.com  Podcast Webpage: www.leapodcasts.com  Podcast X: @leapodcasts00:00:17 Introducing Greg00:03:00 Early career investigating organized crime00:11:30 Joining the Pennsylvania State Police and analyst growth after 9/1100:15:30 Development of the FIAT intelligence analyst training program00:23:00 IALEIA analytic standards and professional development00:33:00 Transition to Penn State and geospatial intelligence analysis00:40:00 Artificial intelligence and the future of intelligence analysis00:55:00 Career advice, privacy issues, and Words to the World

Episode: 00309 Released on March 9, 2026 Description:  What does the crime analyst profession actually look like today? In this special presentation of Analyst Talk with Jason Elder, Cody Gabbard and Dr. Eliann Carr discuss the first global Crime Analyst Census Survey designed to capture the makeup of the profession. The survey explores education, experience, job responsibilities, salary ranges, certifications, and how analysts are used across agencies. The goal is to establish a baseline understanding of the field so agencies, researchers, and professional organizations can better support analysts. If you work in crime analysis, intelligence analysis, or a related role in law enforcement, the private sector, or the military, you are encouraged to complete the survey and help provide an accurate snapshot of the profession. The conversation also explains the academic research process behind the survey, including Institutional Review Board protections, international translation, and how the results will help shape training, professional development, and future research on crime analysis.🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking! [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.]Name Drops: Kyle Stoker (multiple), Dr. Cody Stoddard (00:14:54, 00:36:24), Mark Han (00:02:24)Public Service Announcements: Related Links: Link to survey:  https://form.jotform.com/251745683433058 Association(s) Mentioned:  Vendor(s) Mentioned: Contact: See survey linkhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-gabbard-a43a454/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliann-carr-84b284337/ Transcript:  https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/v6qb7fev8cc2sydd/CACensusSurvey_transcripts.pdf  Podcast Writer: Podcast Researcher: Theme Song: Written and Recorded by The Rough & Tumble. Find more of their music at www.theroughandtumble.com.Logo: Designed by Kyle McMullen. Please visit www.moderntype.com for any printable business forms and planners. Podcast Email: leapodcasts@gmail.com  Podcast Webpage: www.leapodcasts.com  Podcast X: @leapodcastsOfficial Press Release:Central Washington University is conducting a Crime Analyst Census Survey from February 18, 2026, to April 30, 2026. The total time to complete the survey can be up to 15 minutes, but on average will only take 5 minutes. A report on the results will be shared after the findings are published. The survey is completely anonymous, and participation is voluntary. Participants can access the survey through the provided QR Code or hyperlink. The survey is available in the following languages:
English
Spanish
French
Portuguese
German
Ukrainian
Italian
Thank you for taking the time to help us understand the diverse nature of the crime analysis career field. If there are any questions, please contact Dr. Eliann Carr, Crime & Intelligence Analyst, via phone (509.859.1671) or email (carre@ellensburgwa.gov) or Dr. Cody Stoddard, Central Washington University faculty representative, via email (cody.stoddard@cwu.edu).