Analyst Talk - Beyond the Lecture: Arizona’s Hands-On Analyst Academy

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.

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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, 2026
ALEAT 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 
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