Analyst Talk - Chris Mason - The Silver Lining Analyst

Episode: 00323 Released on June 15, 2026 Description:  Chris Mason has spent more than two decades serving as a law enforcement analyst with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. Along the way, he has worked assignments in criminal intelligence, homicide, station operations, and public health overdose surveillance. He also serves as a director for the Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence Units (LEIU). In this episode, Chris discusses his journey from aspiring police officer to analyst, the importance of networking, intelligence operations, interdisciplinary partnerships, leadership, adapting to change, and the role analysts play in supporting public safety beyond traditional crime analysis. He also shares lessons learned from career setbacks, the importance of marketing analytical value, and why understanding your "why" can help sustain a long and fulfilling career. 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking! [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.]
Name Drops: Brian Gray (00:04:54, Podcast Link), Dave Madden/Kent Wurgest (00:22:15), Jeff Asher (00:57:45, Podcast Link), Mike Hestrin (00:58:47)
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://www.riversidesheriff.org/
https://www.leiu.org
https://www.amazon.com/Start-Why-Leaders-Inspire-Everyone/dp/1591846447
https://www.youtube.com/TheDiaryOfACEO
Key Terms:
AB 109 - California legislation that shifted responsibility for many offenders from state parole to county supervision.
28 CFR Part 23 - Federal guidelines governing criminal intelligence systems and protecting civil rights.
CalGangs - California's shared gang intelligence database.
FI Card - Field Interview card documenting contacts with individuals.
JTTF - Joint Terrorism Task Force.
Naloxone Leave Behind Program - Program that provides overdose reversal medication to reduce fatal overdoses.
ODNI - Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
Responsibility to Provide - Post-9/11 philosophy emphasizing proactive information sharing.
RHODA - Riverside Overdose Data Action Program.
Association(s) Mentioned: LEIU, IALEIA
Vendor(s) Mentioned: CellHawk, GeoTime
Contact:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-mason-43ba6013
Transcript:  https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/dc8u444qhivmanz8/ChrisMason_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 Introduction to Chris Mason
00:02:04 Discovering law enforcement analysis
00:10:24 Education, internships, and preparation
00:15:29 The importance of networking
00:20:17 Starting in criminal intelligence
00:38:39 Move to San Bernardino Probation
00:45:26 Returning to Riverside and finding the silver lining
00:50:48 Public health, overdose surveillance, and interdisciplinary work
01:27:03 Personal Interest: Martial Arts
01:29:41 Words to the World: Know your why