Analyst Talk - Dr. Scott Keay - Improving Intelligence Analysis in Policing

Episode: 00316 Released on April 27, 2026 Description:  This week on Analyst Talk with Jason Elder, Jason sits down with Dr. Scott Keay, a seasoned intelligence analyst turned academic, to explore his 20-year journey in law enforcement analysis and beyond. Scott shares how curiosity, travel, and mentorship shaped his career, from early days supporting tactical policing to leading innovative analytical work and contributing to major investigations. He dives into the evolution of intelligence analysis, the challenges of integrating analysts into policing, and the importance of evidence-based practices. The conversation also highlights his transition into academia, the recent development of his book Improving Intelligence Analysis in Policing, and his passion for advancing the profession through research and education. This episode is packed with insight on bridging theory and practice, building effective analyst units, and why analysts must remain teachable and proactive in their craft.
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Name Drops: Lawrence Sherman/John Eck (00:09:26), Janet Evans/Cody Gabbard (00:12:11), Stuart Kirby (00:20:11), Rachel Boba-Santos (00:26:35), Jerry Radciffe/Nina Cope/Mark Evans (00:36:15), Malcolm Sparrow/Ken Pease (00:55:41), Steve Marrin (01:10:56), Keith Jackson/Paige Keningale/Dani Williams/Helen Taylor/Steve French/Jeremy Levin/Alexis Cran (01:25:46)
Public Service Announcements:
Dr. Eliann Carr on the Crime Analyst Census Survey
Link to survey:  https://form.jotform.com/251745683433058
Dr. Andrew Wheeler on his new book:  Large Language Models for Mortals
https://crimede-coder.com/cdcstore/product/large-language-models-for-mortals/
Promo code: LEAPLLM to get $20 off the book purchase
Related Links:
https://www.routledge.com/Improving-Intelligence-Analysis-in-Policing/Kirby-Keay/p/book/9781032914817
https://www.acia.org.uk/
https://www.leapodcasts.com/?s=acia
https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/
https://www.lancashire.police.uk/ 

Association(s) Mentioned:  IALEIA, ACIA
Vendor(s) Mentioned:
Contact:  keays@edgehill.ac.uk, https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottkeay/
Transcript:  https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/6gb2xbty2cv8m5w6/ScottKeay_Transcript.pdf 
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00:00:17 – Introducing Scott
00:01:00 – Scott Keay’s Background and Career Start
00:05:30 – First Experiences as an Analyst
00:12:00 – Early Challenges in Intelligence Analysis
00:20:30 – Problem-Oriented Policing and Impact
00:42:00 – Analyst Badge Story: CSE Case Study
00:50:30 – Transition from Policing to Academia
01:07:00 – Writing Improving Intelligence Analysis in Policing
01:24:00 – Advice for Analysts and Police Leaders
01:38:30 – Words to the World