Analyst Talk - Abigail W – The Storytelling Analyst

Episode: 00322 Released on June 8, 2026 Description:  What happens when a newspaper reporter becomes a crime and intelligence analyst? In this episode of Analyst Talk, Abigail shares her unique journey from journalism and marketing into law enforcement analysis. She discusses how storytelling became one of her greatest analytical strengths, why qualitative data can be just as powerful as statistics, and what it was like building an analysis program from the ground up in an agency that had never had an analyst before. Abigail also discusses her work supporting child exploitation and human trafficking investigations, the growing threat of online extremist groups targeting children, peer support for first responders, and the importance of networking across the profession. Along the way, she offers practical advice on writing, communication, training, and finding opportunities to demonstrate value within an agency.

The episode also features another entertaining installment of "Shit You Hear in the Office," including stories involving ceiling crawl spaces, office tomato farms, and analysts watching movies on their second monitor. Whether you are a new analyst, an experienced practitioner, or someone interested in the future of public safety analysis, Abigail delivers valuable insights on leadership, service, and making an impact through analytical work. 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking! [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.]

This episode contains the ever-so funny segment Sh*t You Hear in the Office; as always, have one (or more) to share? Hit us up!
Erin Havelka (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-erin-havelka-the-intern-turned-mentor-analyst/) 
Angie Stroda (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-angie-stroda-from-corporate-world-to-crime-analysis/)
Glenn Fueston (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-glenn-fueston-%e2%80%93-agree-100-the-300th-episode/) 
Scott Keay (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-dr-scott-keay-improving-intelligence-analysis-in-policing/)
Name Drops: Christopher Bruce/Glen Mills/Nick Roy (00:22:10), Chris Delaney (00:23:50), Joe Scaramucci (00:28:58), Karen Schmerler/Dawn Reeby (00:43:03)
Public Service Announcements:
Join our podcast team! LEAPodcasts is looking for volunteer researchers to help create resources and content for the law enforcement analysis profession. Interested individuals can send a brief email along with a resume, CV, or short bio to leapodcasts@gmail.com.
Related Links:
https://nctc.counterdrug.org/
https://skullgames.org/
https://napsps.org/
Association(s) Mentioned: NAPSPS
Vendor(s) Mentioned:
Contact:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigail-w-66809912b/
Transcript:  https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/ycyekurzpvv4sag2/AbigailW_Transcript.pdf
Podcast Writer:
Podcast Researcher:
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Podcast Email: leapodcasts@gmail.com 
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00:00:25 Introducing Abigail
00:01:23 Discovering crime analysis through journalism
00:12:22 Starting as an analyst in a new unit
00:24:35 Human trafficking and child exploitation investigations
00:37:59 Pursuing graduate education
00:41:07 Advice for analysts and networking
00:48:29 Sh*t You Hear in the Office
00:59:32 Personal Interest:  Growing up in a family of ten children
01:05:39 Words to the World