Analyst Talk - Defining the Field: The Crime Analyst Census Survey

Episode: 00309 Released on March 9, 2026 Description:  What does the crime analyst profession actually look like today? In this special presentation of Analyst Talk with Jason Elder, Cody Gabbard and Dr. Eliann Carr discuss the first global Crime Analyst Census Survey designed to capture the makeup of the profession. The survey explores education, experience, job responsibilities, salary ranges, certifications, and how analysts are used across agencies. The goal is to establish a baseline understanding of the field so agencies, researchers, and professional organizations can better support analysts. If you work in crime analysis, intelligence analysis, or a related role in law enforcement, the private sector, or the military, you are encouraged to complete the survey and help provide an accurate snapshot of the profession. The conversation also explains the academic research process behind the survey, including Institutional Review Board protections, international translation, and how the results will help shape training, professional development, and future research on crime analysis.
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Name Drops: Kyle Stoker (multiple), Dr. Cody Stoddard (00:14:54, 00:36:24), Mark Han (00:02:24)
Public Service Announcements:
Related Links:
Link to survey:  https://form.jotform.com/251745683433058
Association(s) Mentioned: 
Vendor(s) Mentioned:
Contact: See survey link
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-gabbard-a43a454/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliann-carr-84b284337/
Transcript:  https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/v6qb7fev8cc2sydd/CACensusSurvey_transcripts.pdf 
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Official Press Release:
Central Washington University is conducting a Crime Analyst Census Survey from February 18, 2026, to April 30, 2026. The total time to complete the survey can be up to 15 minutes, but on average will only take 5 minutes. A report on the results will be shared after the findings are published. The survey is completely anonymous, and participation is voluntary. Participants can access the survey through the provided QR Code or hyperlink. The survey is available in the following languages:

• English
• Spanish
• French
• Portuguese
• German
• Ukrainian
• Italian

Thank you for taking the time to help us understand the diverse nature of the crime analysis career field. If there are any questions, please contact Dr. Eliann Carr, Crime & Intelligence Analyst, via phone (509.859.1671) or email (carre@ellensburgwa.gov) or Dr. Cody Stoddard, Central Washington University faculty representative, via email (cody.stoddard@cwu.edu).