Leapodcasts

Episode: 00339 Released on October 5, 2026 Description: Kimber Burks-Reece has spent more than two decades with the Harris County Sheriff's Office, building a career that has taken her from working as a patrol clerk to supporting investigations, working alongside HIDTA and FBI analysts, helping develop an analytical unit, and providing real time crime and intelligence support.
In this episode of Analyst Talk, Kimber joins Jason to talk about how she discovered crime analysis almost by accident and the experiences that shaped the analyst she became. She shares her Analyst Badge Story involving a stolen vehicle, a license plate reader hit, and a robbery crew that officers were able to track as the investigation unfolded.
Kimber also shares her three dos and three don'ts of case support. She explains why analysts need to know their audience, read between the lines, ask better questions, and continue working a problem even after a suspect has been identified or arrested. She also discusses the importance of not burning bridges, getting other analysts involved in your work, and continuing to learn as technology, investigative techniques, and the profession change.
The conversation explores information sharing between agencies, building relationships with investigators, communicating analytical findings effectively, and Kimber's involvement with TXLEAN and the Greater Houston law enforcement analyst community. Kimber also discusses her unique role with the Harris County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard and how volunteering outside her traditional analyst responsibilities helped her build relationships throughout the agency. Plus, Jason and Kimber look back at what technology, entertainment, and life were like when she began her career in 2005, talk books and reading, and close with Kimber's Words to the World about keeping work in perspective and not allowing the difficult parts of the job to define the rest of your life. 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking!   [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.]
Name Drops: Linda Green (00:03:20), Deanna Roman (00:07:40), Erin Havelka (00:13:00), Sergeant Thomas (00:27:10), Major Razo (00:27:30), Matt White x2/Joe Ryan (00:56:00), Heather Lane (00:57:20), Krista Whitehead (01:00:00), Michael Jackson/Lauren Patterson (01:01:30), Anne Bishop (01:05:30), L.J. Smith (01:06:30), Sherrilyn Kenyon/Laurel K. Hamilton/Sarah J. Maas (01:07:00), James Lichau (01:10:15)  
Erin Havelka (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-erin-havelka-the-intern-turned-mentor-analyst/) Jennifer Scavotto (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-jennifer-scavotto-from-calls-to-cases-to-command/) Victoria Curtis (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-victoria-curtis-from-air-force-nerd-to-crime-analyst-intern/)  Related Links:  https://harriscountyso.org/ https://www.txlean.com/ Krista Whitehead:  https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-krista-whitehead-the-on-the-rocks-analyst/ Association(s) Mentioned:  TXLEAN, Greater Houston Law Enforcement Analyst NetworkVendor(s) Mentioned: i2, Penlink, Multitude Insights (BLNT)Contact: kimber.burks@sheriff.hctx.net; https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimber-reece-8a81aa26/ Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/5dkfsubken2zvtkg/KimberReece_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 Twitter: @leapodcasts
00:00:25 - Introducing Kimber00:01:28 - Discovering Law Enforcement Analysis00:06:45 - Building an Analytical Foundation at HIDTA00:13:30 - Building the Harris County Analytical Unit00:20:00 - Transitioning to a Real Time Crime Center00:25:00 - Kimber's Analyst Badge Story00:33:00 - Analyst Advice and the Harris County Honor Guard00:43:00 - The Dos and Don'ts of Case Support00:55:00 - Information Sharing, TXLEAN, and Greater Houston01:05:00 - Personal Interests:  Books and 200501:07:49 - Words to the World

Episode: 00338 Released on September 28, 2026 Description: What does it take to build a common foundation for law enforcement analysts? Brittany Winslow returns to Analyst Talk with Jason Elder to discuss Arizona's Law Enforcement Analyst Training and Academy, a program adapted from Florida's established analyst training model. Brittany explains the 40-hour prerequisite course, the six-month academy, the hands-on exercises, testing, networking, and the strategic assessment analysts complete for their agencies.Jason and Brittany also discuss the difference between attending a lecture and actually being trained. From Excel and critical thinking to crime series analysis, forecasting, mapping, link analysis, timelines, and cellular phone analysis, the Arizona program emphasizes applying analytical concepts rather than simply hearing about them. Brittany also shares lessons learned from Arizona's first four academies, the experience of hosting analysts from Abu Dhabi, and plans to potentially expand the program to analysts in other western states.Whether you are a new analyst, a veteran analyst, a supervisor, or someone responsible for developing analyst training, this episode explores what standardized, practical training can look like for the law enforcement analysis profession.
 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking!   [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.]Get to know more about Brittany by listening to his episode on Analyst Talk With Jason Elder: https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-brittany-willis-the-outside-the-box-analyst/  
Name Drops: Mary Bertuccelli (00:12:20), Mike Winslow (00:14:40)  Related Links:  https://www.azdps.gov/news/digest/134 Flyer:  https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/ujgw32qq6mbuafy4/ALEAT_Flyerbsvsz.pdf Upcoming Classes:ALEAT Class 13: October 26-30, 2026ALEAT Class 14: November 16-20, 2026 https://azactic.gov/ https://www.azdps.gov/arizona-counter-terrorism-information-center-actic Florida:  https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/analyst-academy/programs/fleat Mike Winslow’s Podcast Episode:  https://www.leapodcasts.com/?s=did%20you%20know%20with%20Mike%20winslow  Association(s) Mentioned: Vendor(s) Mentioned: Contact: BWinslow@scottsdaleaz.gov;  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanywillis5390/ |Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/rsjpzkw93qz32mna/ALEAT_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 Twitter: @leapodcasts

Episode: 00337 Released on September 21, 2026 Description: What happens when an analyst's work moves from the office to the courtroom?In the sixth episode of the "Did You Know?" series, Jason Elder and Mike discuss what analysts should know before taking the witness stand. Mike shares lessons from his own experience testifying, including how to prepare with detectives and prosecutors, keep your CV current, create effective visuals, and explain complex analysis in terms a jury can understand.
They also explore what not to do. Don't overstate what the data shows, overwhelm the jury, overcomplicate your explanation, overthink your answers, or overreact during cross-examination. From phone analysis and courtroom presentations to jury questions and defense interviews, Jason and Mike offer practical advice for analysts who may someday find themselves testifying about their work. The takeaway is simple: prepare, know your work, communicate clearly, and let the data speak for itself. 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking!   [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.]Get to know more about Mike by listening to his episode on Analyst Talk With Jason Elder: https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/episode-006-mike-winslow-%e2%80%93-the-ambassador/ 
Name Drops: Brittany Winslow (00:08:19) Related Links:  All Deep Dive Episodes: https://www.leapodcasts.com/p/deep-dives/ 
Association(s) Mentioned: 
Vendor(s) Mentioned: 
Contact: mwinslow@scottsdaleaz.gov; https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikewinslow1414/ 
Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/ejfmg32tjgu8apyg/dyk06_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 Twitter: @leapodcasts

Episode: 00336 Released on September 14, 2026 Description: In the second episode of LEAN: Law Enforcement Analyst Networks, Jason Elder talks with Ben Haiman, Executive Director of the National Association of Professional Staff in Public Safety (NAPSPS). Founded in 2025, NAPSPS is building a national network for professional staff working throughout law enforcement and public safety. Ben discusses the association’s focus on professional development, networking, and advocacy, along with the challenges professional staff can face when it comes to inclusion, compensation, leadership opportunities, and having a seat at the decision-making table. Jason and Ben also explore how analysts can move beyond producing reports to become problem solvers, trusted advisors, thought partners, and strategic leaders within their agencies. They discuss why analysts may benefit from connecting outside the traditional crime analysis community and how analysts can contribute their own expertise back to NAPSPS.
This episode is part of LEAN: Law Enforcement Analyst Networks, connecting analysts with the associations, communities, and professional networks that support their growth. 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking! [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.]Name Drops:  Dr. Jessica Herbert (00:24:04) Public Service Announcements: Kristi Barletta (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-kristi-barletta-the-leading-without-authority-analyst/) Brian Napolitano (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-brain-napolitano-the-legend-of-tomorrow/) Megan Cruz (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-megan-cruz-from-burnout-to-leadership/) Related Links: https://napsps.org/ https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-rethinking-crime-analyst-hiring-with-dr-jessica-herbert/ Association(s) Mentioned: NAPSPSVendor(s) Mentioned: Contact:   ben.haiman@napsps.org ;https://www.linkedin.com/in/marvin-ben-haiman/ Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/n6x7y9hb3689mgrv/BenHaimenNAPSPS_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
00:00:25 - Introducing Ben00:03:15 - What is the National Association of Professional Staff in Public Safety?00:14:34 - Are professional staff treated as second-class citizens?00:24:04 - Analyst roles, standardization, and organizational culture00:28:56 - Why law enforcement analysts should consider NAPSPS00:31:54 - How analysts can contribute to the association00:40:04 - "Professional staff are..." 

Episode: 00335 Released on September 7, 2026 Description: Welcome to the first episode of JAM: Jason and Mindy on Analyst Talk! After years of talking about doing a show together, Jason Elder and Mindy Yoon finally make it happen. In this quarterly series, Jason and Mindy discuss what’s on their minds in law enforcement analysis: what’s their jam, what’s not their jam, and whatever else comes up along the way.
In this inaugural episode, Jason argues that analysts may be neglecting one of their most important clients: themselves. Jason and Mindy discuss using automation, dashboards, repeatable processes, and proactive analysis to make analysts more efficient and better prepared to serve everyone else.
Then the conversation moves to farmers markets, crime prevention, situational awareness, and whether problem-oriented policing (POP) has lost some of its prominence even though many of its principles remain embedded in modern policing and crime analysis.
Finally, things get a little less serious as Jason and Mindy discuss their personal “jams,” ’90s music, Pokémon, Titanic, Pulp Fiction, and Mindy’s theory that Titanic might actually be a time-travel movie.
It’s law enforcement analysis, professional discussion, random rabbit holes, and plenty of jam. 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking! [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.]Name Drops:  Dawn Reeby (00:14:00), Julie Wartell (00:20:37), Jeff Asher (00:23:50), Herman Goldstein (00:27:37), Sean Bair (00:49:11) Public Service Announcements: Kristi Barletta (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-kristi-barletta-the-leading-without-authority-analyst/) Brian Napolitano (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-brain-napolitano-the-legend-of-tomorrow/) Megan Cruz (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-megan-cruz-from-burnout-to-leadership/) Related Links: https://popcenter.asu.edu/ Closing Time by Semisonic https://youtu.be/xGytDsqkQY8?si=7B_ZXfEJdaSy_1e3 Association(s) Mentioned:Vendor(s) Mentioned: Contact:  leapodcasts@gmail.com Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/j6q2wxjqeafnthep/JAM01_transcript.pdf Podcast Writer: Podcast Researcher: Theme Song: Recorded by Michael Ramir C.  Year 2001. https://mixkit.co/free-stock-music/funk/  Voice from https://elevenlabs.io/ Official 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
00:00:50 - Introducing JAM00:04:44 - The analyst as their own client00:15:18 - Farmers markets, jam, and the analyst brain that never turns off00:27:18 - Is problem-oriented policing losing its popularity?00:36:13 - What was your jam? Music and the ’90s00:48:51 - Next JAM: Flock cameras and ATAC00:49:48 - The difficult art of ending a conversation 

Episode: 00334 Released on August 31, 2026 Description: Amy O’Neill didn’t set out to become a law enforcement analyst. After earning a geography degree, a temporary opportunity with Humberside Police introduced her to intelligence analysis and launched a career spanning tactical analysis, major investigations, leadership, and the UK’s National Crime Agency.In this episode, Amy discusses how geography and mapping shaped her analytical approach, including her Analyst Badge Story involving a prolific burglary group and an investigation that resulted in significant prison sentences. She also reflects candidly on a difficult transition into leadership, what she learned from the experience, and why failure ultimately helped make her a stronger leader. Amy also shares the story behind the revitalized IALEIA UK Chapter, its rapid growth, and an ambitious goal of hosting an international symposium by 2030.Her advice? Say yes to opportunities even when they’re uncomfortable but learn when to say no to the “can you just…” requests. 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking! [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.]Name Drops:  Zoe Chenier (00:01:37), Bridget (00:11:49), Jon Larkin (00:38:04), Sophia Kwong (00:45:31) Public Service Announcements: Zoe Chenier (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-zoe-chenier-%e2%80%93-the-australian-retail-crime-analyst/) Svetlana Gubin (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-svetlana-gubin-the-power-of-math/) Erica Logan (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-erica-logan-veterans-in-analysis/) Related Links: https://www.humberside.police.uk/ https://www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/ IALEIA UK Chapter LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/ialeia-united-kingdom-chapter/Hanoi Burglary - https://www.ourwatchmember.org.uk/Alerts/A/467498 Association(s) Mentioned: IALEIAVendor(s) Mentioned: Contact:  unitedkingdom@ialeia.org, https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-o-506b42273/  Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/4mfj8qpwk4ccdywm/AmyONeill_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
00:00:25 - Introducing Amy00:02:22 - Discovering law enforcement analysis by accident00:06:17 - Improving processes with Excel and pivot tables00:11:08 - Becoming an intelligence analyst00:14:20 - Strategic analysis and violent crime trends00:15:58 - Analyst Badge Story: Operation Isobar00:28:32 - Leaving Humberside for the National Crime Agency00:33:19 - Returning as a leader and learning through failure00:40:33 - Building the IALEIA UK Chapter00:47:45 - Career advice: Say yes to opportunities00:50:13 - Crafting, creativity, and life outside analysis00:53:05 - Words to the World 

Episode: 00333 Released on August 24, 2026 Description: What motivates police officers to embrace proactive and evidence-based policing? In Episode 6 of Research Remix, Jason Elder and Jamie Roush examine a 2025 study by Peterson, Lum, and Koper exploring the factors that influence officers’ proactive policing activities. Jason and Jamie discuss the importance of organizational culture, supervisor expectations, training, experience, rewards, and accountability, and why simply telling officers to “be proactive” may not be enough.
The conversation also turns to the role of law enforcement analysts. From developing analytical products that guide proactive deployments to evaluating whether an initiative actually worked, analysts can help turn research into practice. The episode also explores professional development for analysts, the value of gaining experience outside a single analytical specialty, and why organizations need to give analysts room to experiment, learn, and occasionally make mistakes.
Research Remix takes academic research and asks the question that matters to working analysts: What does this mean for us? 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking! [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.]Get to know more about Jamie by listening to his episode on Analyst Talk With Jason Elder: https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-jamie-roush-the-aha-moment-analyst/ Name Drops:  Public Service Announcements: Related Links: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/10986111251353521 https://americansebp.org/ Association(s) Mentioned: Vendor(s) Mentioned: Contact:  jamielroush@gmail.com,  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-roush-5b399967/Transcript: 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
00:00:25 - Introducing Jamie00:01:09 – What motivates proactive policing?00:08:08 – Culture, leadership, and organizational support00:13:25 – How analysts can support proactive policing00:17:05 – Evaluation, professional development, and data-informed policing00:20:35 – Specialization vs. broader analyst experience

Episode: 00332 Released on August 17, 2026 Description:  Matt Lambert has spent his career exploring where law enforcement analysis can take him from local crime analysis and federal contract support to geospatial data science and eventually supervising an analytical unit. In this episode, Matt joins host Jason Elder to discuss his unconventional path into the profession, his analyst badge story involving a years-long indecent exposure series, and what he learned when he moved from doing analytical work to leading the people who do it. Matt shares lessons from supervising analysts, including adapting to different personalities and learning styles, delegating work you know you could do yourself, advocating for analysts, building trust, creating a strong unit culture, and recognizing the qualities that help analysts thrive. Matt also offers advice for aspiring analysts trying to break into an increasingly competitive profession and explains why one principle has followed him throughout his career: always be a student of what you do. 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking! [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.]This episode also contains the ever so funny segment Sh*t You Hear in the Office; as always, have one (or more) to share? Hit us up!~Amanda Sienkiewicz (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-amanda-sienkiewicz-from-coca-cola-dreams-to-crime-scenes/) Steve Walter (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-steve-walter-rooted-in-oceanside-with-longevity-and-leadership/) Victoria Curtis (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-victoria-curtis-from-air-force-nerd-to-crime-analyst-intern/Jennifer Scavotto (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-jennifer-scavotto-from-calls-to-cases-to-command/) Name Drops:  Amanda Bunger (00:05:23), Kevin Armstrong (00:53:35) Public Service Announcements: Zoe Chenier (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-zoe-chenier-%e2%80%93-the-australian-retail-crime-analyst/) Svetlana Gubin (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-svetlana-gubin-the-power-of-math/) Erica Logan (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-erica-logan-veterans-in-analysis/) Related Links: https://fsafederal.com/ https://www.tempe.gov/government/police https://chandlerazpd.gov/ Association(s) Mentioned: Vendor(s) Mentioned: Contact:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lambert-matt/ Transcript:  https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/64m65vqe5pwie5w2/MattLambert_transcript.pdfPodcast 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
00:00:25 - Introducing Matt00:02:11 - Discovering the crime analysis profession00:08:33 - Analyst Badge Story: The Roosevelt Exposer00:17:08 - Leaving local law enforcement and finding the way back00:20:53 - Becoming an analyst supervisor00:24:23 - Delegating and transitioning from doer to leader00:30:40 - Coaching different personalities and learning styles00:34:25 - Advocating for analysts and giving them a seat at the table00:43:41 - Advice for breaking into the profession00:46:56 - Sh*t You Hear in the Office 00:54:41 - Words to the World

Episode: 00331 Released on August 10, 2026 Description:  What does an investigative analyst actually do? In this episode, Jason sits down with Vanessa Martinovici, Criminal Intelligence Analyst with the Rocky Mountain Information Network (RMIN), to discuss her journey from discovering the profession during a college internship to supporting complex investigations across the western United States. Vanessa explains how Regional Information Sharing Systems (RISS) support agencies with specialized analytical services, why investigative analysts have become indispensable in the digital evidence era, and how analysts contribute to child abuse, organized retail crime, and transnational investigations. She also shares insights into the Arizona Law Enforcement Analyst Academy, the growing specialization within the profession, and why stepping outside your comfort zone is essential for career growth. The conversation concludes with an important discussion on online child safety and the emerging challenges posed by AI-generated child sexual abuse material. 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking! [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.]Name Drops:  Cassidy Richardson (00:06:19), Kris Mayes (00:14:35), Dr. Jessica Herbert (00:45:24), Mike and Brittany Winslow (01:04:05)Public Service Announcements: Zoe Chenier (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-zoe-chenier-%e2%80%93-the-australian-retail-crime-analyst/) 
Svetlana Gubin (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-svetlana-gubin-the-power-of-math/) Erica Logan (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-erica-logan-veterans-in-analysis/) Related Links: https://www.riss.net/centers/rmin/ https://www.aacaonline.org/ https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-kris-mayes-announces-results-organized-retail-theft-task-force Association(s) Mentioned: Vendor(s) Mentioned: Contact:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-m-36b01223a/ Transcript:  https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/sbx59bn4gatuzbff/VanessaMartinovici_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: @leapodcasts00:00:25 - Introducing Vanessa00:02:25 - Discovering law enforcement analysis through an internship00:07:10 - Analyst Badge Story: Romanian organized retail crime and EBT fraud investigation00:15:31 - Joining the Rocky Mountain Information Network (RMIN)00:18:41 - What RISS is and how it supports law enforcement00:23:53 - How agencies request analytical support00:28:31 - Common misconceptions about RISS00:34:10 - Analyst Badge Story: Child abuse investigation through digital evidence00:45:24 - Types of law enforcement analysts and increasing specialization00:57:11 - Arizona Law Enforcement Analyst Academy01:07:05 - Advice for analysts01:08:17 - Personal interest: Learning to shoot firearms01:11:15 - Words to the World: AI-generated child exploitation concerns

Episode: 00330 Released on August 3, 2026 Description:  What happens when you review 850 analytical job postings spanning nearly three years? Dr. Jessica Herbert did exactly that, and what she found should make every law enforcement leader rethink how they hire analysts. In this episode, Jason and Jessica discuss the disconnect between job postings and the actual work today's analysts perform. They examine why many agencies continue recycling outdated job descriptions, why technical skills like SQL and Python are often overlooked, and how organizations should rethink hiring, onboarding, and professional development. Whether you're hiring your first analyst, managing an established crime analysis unit, or planning your own career, this conversation provides practical guidance on preparing the analytical workforce for the future.
 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking! [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.]Get to know more about Jessica by listening to his episodes on Analyst Talk With Jason Elder: https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-dr-jessica-herbert-idea-to-impact/ 
Name Drops:  Deborah Osborne (01:10:30) Public Service Announcements: Chris Mason (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-chris-mason-the-silver-lining-analyAbigail W. (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-abigail-w-%e2%80%93-the-storytelling-analyst/) st/) Related Links: Website: www.asbatracoaching.com for all things coaching leadership and people
Substack: https://drjessicaherbert.substack.com/ 
Website: https://asbatra.com/ 
Access to the first white paper: asbatra.com/from-my-desk Association(s) Mentioned: Vendor(s) Mentioned: Contact:  www.linkedin.com/in/drjessicaherbert, jessica@analyticsbyidea.com, Instagram: @asbatracoachTranscript:  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
00:00:25 - Introducing Jessica00:04:03 - The biggest disconnects between job postings and real analyst work00:11:02 - Why agencies overlook technical skills like SQL and Python00:16:24 - Hiring for skills versus hiring for organizational fit00:27:08 - Modern interviewing for analytical positions00:35:39 - Specialist or generalist? Defining the analyst role00:49:12 - Why analysts need SOPs and documented workflows00:58:24 - How analytical positions evolve or disappear01:05:08 - Who should lead change in the profession?01:09:21 - Final thoughts and how to connect with Jessica