Analyst Talk - David Grabelski - The Life Triangle

Episode: 00307 Released on February 23, 2026 Description: In this episode of Analyst Talk with Jason Elder, David Grabelski shares insights from a 55-year career spanning LAPD homicide, gang investigations, NDIC intelligence work, and teaching at Mercyhurst University. He discusses the early days of link analysis, visual investigative charting, and how analytical thinking shaped real-world investigations long before modern tools existed. David also introduces the “Life Triangle” of time, health, and wealth, and how it applies not only to career progression but to long-term professional sustainability. The conversation explores intelligence failures, the importance of broad experience over early specialization, and why skillsets matter more than tools in the evolving world of analysis. This episode is essential listening for analysts navigating career growth, technological change, and the balance between expertise, impact, and longevity in the profession.
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Name Drops: David Jimenez (001:03), Steve Gottlieb/Sheldon Arenberg (00:15:53), John Murtha (00:35:29), Mark Mosop (00:38:17), Bob Heibel (00:43:00)
Public Service Announcements:
Related Links:
https://www.mercyhurst.edu/academics/intelligence-studies
https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/index.htm
https://olli.arizona.edu/pd/6653/arizonas-greatest-criminal-manhunts-from-tomb?rid=1467&cid=1477&returncom=productlist&source=search
Association(s) Mentioned:  IALEIA
Vendor(s) Mentioned: I2
Contact:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-grabelski-1b43048/
Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/247vqx6tynjavrk7/DavidGrabelski_transcript.pdf 
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00:00:17 – Introducing David
00:00:00 Introduction and 55-year career overview
00:01:50 Joining LAPD and early culture shock
00:07:00 Learning communication in jail division
00:12:10 Detective work vs. patrol mindset
00:15:20 First exposure to crime analysis and link charts
00:17:10 Fraternity sexual assault investigation and visual charting
00:23:00 Using flow charts in homicide and gang investigations
00:26:15 Failure of intelligence during the LA riots
00:29:00 Transition from LAPD to NDIC
00:35:10 Analyzing 1,500 unsolved homicide cases
00:42:50 Teaching intelligence at Mercyhurst University
00:49:00 Real-world student strategic projects
00:56:30 Growth of intelligence degree programs
01:09:45 The Life Triangle: Time, Health, and Wealth
01:12:40 Career reflection and retirement lessons