Analyst Talk - Kristine Vander Wall - The Adaptable Analyst

Episode: 00341 Released on October 19, 2026 Description: What happens when an analyst reaches a point in their career where they have to decide whether to stay or move on? Kristine Vander Wall joins Jason Elder to discuss career decisions, professional growth, and the importance of taking risks. The two also reconnect more than 20 years after working together at the Washington Baltimore HIDTA, sharing memories and perspectives on how law enforcement analysis has evolved.

Kristine reflects on her career, from juvenile probation and parole to drug and gang intelligence, crime gun investigations, and government contracting. She shares her Analyst Badge Story about preparing and delivering a 90-minute presentation on the Bloods to approximately 150 gang investigators. The experience challenged her confidence, expanded her professional network, and eventually contributed to investigative case support.

The conversation explores the evolution of threat assessments, the importance of producing actionable intelligence, and the challenges of organizational culture. Kristine discusses working in different environments, adapting to new technologies, and recognizing when a position no longer provides opportunities for growth. She also offers advice on internships, networking, developing new skills, and avoiding what she calls the dangerous comfort zone.

Jason and Kristine look ahead to the future of law enforcement analysis, discussing artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, blockchain analysis, fraud, cybersecurity, and deepfakes. They also find time to talk about soccer, Ted Lasso, and a memorable meal from their HIDTA days. 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking!   [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.]

Name Drops:  Tom Carr (00:21:30), Glenn Fueston (00:23:45), Patty Artelini (00:27:00), Bob Green (00:27:30), Joe Ryan (01:00:10)
Public Service Announcements:
Kristi Barletta (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-kristi-barletta-the-leading-without-authority-analyst/)
Brian Napolitano (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-brain-napolitano-the-legend-of-tomorrow/)
Megan Cruz (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-megan-cruz-from-burnout-to-leadership/) Related Links: 
https://www.hidtaprogram.org/
https://www.atf.gov/resource-center/fact-sheet/national-integrated-ballistic-information-network
https://margin.wildapricot.org/
https://www.chainalysis.com/
https://www.cisa.gov/
https://www.nist.gov/itl/ai-risk-management-framework
Joe Ryan:  https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-joey-ryan-leadership-law-enforcement-and-sales/
Glenn Fueston:  https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-glenn-fueston-%e2%80%93-agree-100-the-300th-episode/
Association(s) Mentioned:
Vendor(s) Mentioned:
Contact:   https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:share:7516907903757471744/
Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/x38rruxzjx2pbfb3/KristineVanderWall_transcript.pdf 
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Podcast Researcher:
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Podcast Email: leapodcasts@gmail.com 
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00:00:25 - Introducing Kristine
00:05:00 - Working at the Washington Baltimore HIDTA
00:14:45 - The Evolution of Threat Assessments
00:25:30 - Returning to Analysis After a Career Break
00:29:30 - Kristine's Analyst Badge Story: Presenting on the Bloods
00:36:15 - Crime Gun Intelligence and NIBIN
00:46:15 - Transitioning into Government Contracting
00:55:00 - Career Decisions: Knowing When to Stay or Go
01:05:00 - Advice for New and Experienced Analysts
01:07:30 - Future Skills: AI, Fraud, and Cybersecurity 
01:13:00 - Personal Interests: Soccer and Ted Lasso
01:19:00 - Words to the World