Analyst Talk - Rethinking Crime Analyst Hiring with Dr. Jessica Herbert

Episode: 00330 Released on August 3, 2026 Description:  What happens when you review 850 analytical job postings spanning nearly three years? Dr. Jessica Herbert did exactly that, and what she found should make every law enforcement leader rethink how they hire analysts. In this episode, Jason and Jessica discuss the disconnect between job postings and the actual work today's analysts perform. They examine why many agencies continue recycling outdated job descriptions, why technical skills like SQL and Python are often overlooked, and how organizations should rethink hiring, onboarding, and professional development. Whether you're hiring your first analyst, managing an established crime analysis unit, or planning your own career, this conversation provides practical guidance on preparing the analytical workforce for the future.

 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking! [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.]
Get to know more about Jessica by listening to his episodes on Analyst Talk With Jason Elder:
https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-dr-jessica-herbert-idea-to-impact/ 

Name Drops:  Deborah Osborne (01:10:30)
Public Service Announcements:
Chris Mason (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-chris-mason-the-silver-lining-analy
Abigail W. (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-abigail-w-%e2%80%93-the-storytelling-analyst/) st/)
Related Links:
Website: www.asbatracoaching.com for all things coaching leadership and people

Substack: https://drjessicaherbert.substack.com/ 

Website: https://asbatra.com/ 

Access to the first white paper: asbatra.com/from-my-desk
Association(s) Mentioned:
Vendor(s) Mentioned:
Contact:  www.linkedin.com/in/drjessicaherbert, jessica@analyticsbyidea.com, Instagram: @asbatracoach
Transcript: 
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 - Introducing Jessica
00:04:03 - The biggest disconnects between job postings and real analyst work
00:11:02 - Why agencies overlook technical skills like SQL and Python
00:16:24 - Hiring for skills versus hiring for organizational fit
00:27:08 - Modern interviewing for analytical positions
00:35:39 - Specialist or generalist? Defining the analyst role
00:49:12 - Why analysts need SOPs and documented workflows
00:58:24 - How analytical positions evolve or disappear
01:05:08 - Who should lead change in the profession?
01:09:21 - Final thoughts and how to connect with Jessica