Leapodcasts

Episode: 00284 Released on September 15, 2025 Description: In this episode of Analyst Talk with Jason Elder, Jason catches up with Dawn Reeby to dive into the world of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and their role in professionalizing crime analysis. Dawn explains how KPIs can help analysts move beyond “bean counting” and instead measure meaningful impact, build strong infrastructures, and define what success truly looks like in law enforcement analysis. From creating portfolios and roadmaps to streamlining workflows and crafting clear elevator speeches, Dawn shares practical ways analysts can document their value, enhance productivity, and transform data into actionable intelligence. We also take a moment to congratulate Dale Harris on receiving the IACA Lifetime Achievement Award for his pioneering contributions to the field. 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking! [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.]Get to know more about Dawn by listening to her episode on Analyst Talk With Jason Elder: https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-dawn-reeby-the-ceo-analyst/ 
Name Drops: Sean Bair (00:17:34)Related Links: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/dawnreeby_lawenforcement-kpi-analytics-activity-7339683314716336128-rLJv https://dawnreeby.podia.com/ Sean Bair’s Hiring Guide:  https://www.leapodcasts.com/p/hiring-guide/ 
https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/dale-harris-the-innovator/ https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/lori-frank-the-assertive-analyst/ Association(s) Mentioned: Vendor(s) Mentioned: Contact: Dawn@excellenceinanalytics.com,  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnreeby/  Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/6k46x5dk7hjtkrvt/DawnReeby04_transcript.pdf 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 Twitter: @leapodcasts
 

Episode: 00283 Released on September 8, 2025 Description: This week on Analyst Talk with Jason Elder, Angie Stroda shares her unique path from the corporate world to law enforcement, where she now applies decades of analytical and data skills to public safety. We dive into her work building Excel dashboards, teaching herself GIS, and analyzing jail calls that have uncovered critical evidence. Angie also walks us through her career-defining case involving an ATM jackpotting series, where she used license plate readers and facial recognition tools to help track down an organized crew. From near-repeat analysis of property crimes to the power of jail call intelligence, Angie offers practical insights for analysts of any level. Tune in for her advice on open-source intelligence tools, fostering data-driven policing, and why sometimes “feelings” need to be backed by solid data. Angie is currently a crime analyst at Hutchinson Police Department in Kansas. 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking! [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.]
This episode also contains the ever-so funny segment Sh*t You Hear in the Office; as always, have one (or more) to share? Hit us up!~Kassie Langdon (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-kassie-langdon/)  Anisa Bano (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-anisa-bano-love-of-numbers/)  Eathan Lindsay (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-eathan-lindsay-the-vigilant-analyst/)  David Gordon (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-david-gordon-the-team-builder/)  Amanda Sienkiewicz (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-amanda-sienkiewicz-from-coca-cola-dreams-to-crime-scenes/) Name Drops: Dr. Jerry Radcliffe (00:51:31), Jan Mondale (00:56:04)Public Service Announcements: Erin Havelka (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-erin-havelka-the-intern-turned-mentor-analyst/) Jennifer Scavotto (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-jennifer-scavotto-from-calls-to-cases-to-command/) Victoria Curtis (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-victoria-curtis-from-air-force-nerd-to-crime-analyst-intern/) Related Links: https://www.hutchinsonks.gov/214/Police-Department https://www.jerryratcliffe.net/near-repeat-analysis https://www.flocksafety.com/https://www.lexisnexis.co.uk/legal/news/clearview-ai-successfully-overturns-ico-fine-clearview-ai-inc-v-the-information-commissioner https://www.bellingcat.com/ https://osintframework.com/ https://qgis.org/ https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-open-secrets-organizing-osint-with-start-me-github/ Association(s) Mentioned: Vendor(s) Mentioned:Contact:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/angie-stroda-61851677/ Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/5xybkxmy5kkagtnz/AngieStroda_Transcript.pdf 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 Twitter: @leapodcasts
00:00:17 – Introducing Angie00:06:35 – Pace of the PD 00:23:03 – ABS:  ATM Jackpotting00:34:35 – Break:  Erin Havelka, Victoria Curtis, & Jennifer Scavotto00:36:02 – ABS:  Forecasting & Jail Calls00:45:38 – Near Repeat Analysis00:54:05 – Advice00:57:38 – Sh*t You Hear in the Office01:10:29 – Personal Interest:  British Murder Mysteries01:13:24 – Words to the World

Episode: 00282 Released on September 1, 2025 Description: In this episode of Analyst Talk with Jason Elder, Jason sits down with Sarah Lee, Senior Crime Analyst with the Vancouver Police Department, to explore her 20-year journey in law enforcement analysis. From her early days in immigration enforcement to working on Canada’s most infamous serial killer case, Sarah shares how she navigated massive investigations, mastered complex data analysis, and helped shape modern crime analysis practices. We also discuss her transition from homicide to organized crime asset forfeiture, her passion for teaching future analysts, and her role as IALEIA’s newly elected Secretary. Along the way, Sarah reflects on career-defining moments, the evolution of technology in analysis, and why critical thinking remains the heart of the profession. 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking![Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.]Name Drops: Jamie Patel (00:07:48)Public Service Announcements: Erin Havelka (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-erin-havelka-the-intern-turned-mentor-analyst/) Jennifer Scavotto (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-jennifer-scavotto-from-calls-to-cases-to-command/) Victoria Curtis (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-victoria-curtis-from-air-force-nerd-to-crime-analyst-intern/) Related Links: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Pickton https://www.cityofvancouver.us/departments/police/ https://asuonline.asu.edu/online-degree-programs/graduate/masters-crime-analysis/ https://www.ialeia.org/foundations_of_intelligence_an.php https://www.ialeia.org/board.php Association(s) Mentioned: IALEIAVendor(s) Mentioned:Contact:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-l-5865642a/ Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/4chcq28aajtvu6yd/SaraLee_transcript.pdf 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 Twitter: @leapodcasts
00:00:17 – Introducing Sara00:08:17 – ABS: Robert Pickton 00:22:22 – Vancouver PD00:34:07 – Break:  Havelka, Curtis, & Scavotto00:38:56 – Organized Crime & Asset Forfeiture00:47:59 – Teaching01:00:19 – IALEIA Secretary & Masters01:06:09 – Personal Interest:  Gaming01:11:39 – Words to the World

Episode: 00281 Released on August 25, 2025 Description: In this fourth installment of the Open Secrets series on Analyst Talk with Jason Elder, expert Jan Mondale joins us to share practical tips for organizing open source intelligence (OSINT) resources. From using Start Me pages to streamline bookmarks and investigative tools, to exploring collaborative platforms like GitHub for up-to-date OSINT collections, Jan walks us through real world strategies for staying organized and efficient. Whether you’re a law enforcement analyst, cybersecurity professional, or just an OSINT enthusiast, this episode uncovers ways to save time, enhance investigations, and discover new resources with the aim at keeping your data neat and accessible.[Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.]Related Links: Jan’s Notes:  https://about.start.me/ 
https://start.me/pages/int/osint 
https://start.me/p/DPzxGw/osint-general-websites 
https://start.me/p/9ExLyR/osint-resources 
https://start.me/p/0Pqbdg/osint-500-tools 
https://start.me/p/rx6Qj8/nixintel-s-osint-resource-list 
https://start.me/p/BP0G2v/sara-osint 
https://github.com/jivoi/awesome-osint 
Association(s) Mentioned: Vendor(s) Mentioned: Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janmondale/ Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/j87gsai45fkhfchm/OpenSecrets04.pdf 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 Twitter: @leapodcasts

Episode: 00280 Released on August 18, 2025 Description: In this episode of Analyst Talk with Jason Elder, Jason reconnects with longtime analyst and entrepreneur Sean Bair to dive into his latest venture, SwornAI. Sean shares how this new platform is tackling the health and wellness crisis in public safety by combining biometric data, CAD records, and artificial intelligence to better support officers and first responders. The conversation also explores Sean’s upcoming book on the role of AI in analysis and education, and what the future holds for analysts navigating the flood of data. With reflections on the 10-year anniversary of selling Bair Analytics, Sean offers candid insights into technology, innovation, and the evolving role of the crime analyst. 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking![Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.]Name Drops: Howard & Adam Safir (00:03:39), Dan Helms (00:45:08), Mark Dobbs (00:56:36)Public Service Announcements: Andrew Wheeler (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-dr-andrew-wheeler-crime-de-coder/)  Kyle Stoker (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/kyle-stoker-the-training-connoisseur/)  Related Links: https://sworn.ai/ https://www.leapodcasts.com/p/hiring-guide/ https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/sean-bair-%e2%80%93-the-entrepreneur/ https://www.byu.edu/NEW book on Amazon:  https://a.co/d/9hjxMWo Association(s) Mentioned: Vendor(s) Mentioned:Contact:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbair/  Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/kt6ydybkn3behpf2/SwornAISeanBair_Transcript.pdf 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 Twitter: @leapodcasts
00:00:17 – Introducing Sean00:01:31 – Sworn AI00:21:29 – Book 00:34:40 – Break:  Wheeler & Stoker00:35:47 – Students Using AI 00:47:41 – Analysis with AI00:55:06 – Selling Bair Analytics

Episode: 00279 Released on August 11, 2025 Description: In this episode of Analyst Talk with Jason Elder, Dr. Charles Russo reflects on a three-decade career in intelligence, from his military service and work with NCIS to more than a decade as an FBI intelligence analyst. Charles reflects on high-stakes moments like supporting the Oklahoma City bombing investigation, tackling large-scale Russian auto insurance fraud rings, and navigating the challenges of complex financial crimes. He also dives into his passion for educating the next generation of analysts, the importance of critical thinking, and why public speaking skills are essential for the profession. From Hollywood myths about NCIS to the realities of multi-agency collaboration, Charles offers insight, lessons learned, and a candid look at the evolving world of law enforcement analysis. 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking![Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.]Name Drops: Public Service Announcements: Joshua Todd (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-josh-todd-the-adirondack-analyst/) Scott Eicher (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/scott-eicher-the-cellular-analysis-sme/) Related Links: https://www.drcharlesrusso.com/ https://linktr.ee/drcharlesrussoAmazon Book: https://a.co/d/0LCK9hlhttps://drcharlesmrusso.substack.com/ https://www.capella.edu/ https://www.amu.apus.edu/ https://ace.edu/ https://thrivedx.com/ https://www.stjohns.edu/ Gen Z Stare: https://youtube.com/shorts/V7WXZ5S1hsI?si=pqCoAgWXWz_26KDB Association(s) Mentioned: Vendor(s) Mentioned:Contact:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesmrussophd/  Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/xss8t9c22ukf8nb2/CharlesRusso_Transcript.pdf 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 Twitter: @leapodcasts
00:00:17 – Introducing Charles00:06:09 – Oklahoma City Bombing00:16:26 – FBI 00:29:58 – Break:  Todd & Eicher00:31:34 – ABS: Russian Auto Fraud 00:49:31 – Training01:06:34 – Gen Z Stare01:15:50 – Public Speaking01:28:40 – Words to the World

Episode: 00278 Released on August 4, 2025 Description: This week on Analyst Talk with Jason Elder, Jason chats with Erin Havelka of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office to explore her journey from uncertain undergrad to award-winning crime and intelligence analyst. Erin shares how a discouraging comment from a professor became her motivation, the initiative that led to her first analyst job, and the evolution of her unit from real-time support to investigative intelligence. She also shares her analyst badge story, detailing a seven-minute facial recognition success that helped identify a suspect after a deputy-involved shooting. She then shares how she built an internship program from the ground up. From mapping patterns to mentoring the next generation, Erin’s story is one of determination, innovation, and impact. Tune in to hear how she proves that curiosity and hustle can shape an entire career. 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking![Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.]Name Drops:  Anthony Bush (00:49:30)Public Service Announcements: Jim Mallard (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/osborne-tapes-jim-mallard/ &https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-jim-mallard-the-analyst-in-the-shadows/) Anthony Bush (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-anthony-bush-jail-calls-rock/) Related Links: https://harriscountyso.org/ https://www.alphagroupcenter.com/about-us/certificate-program/ https://www.ialeia.org/https://www.uhcl.edu/ https://www.tamucc.edu/https://abc13.com/post/harris-county-sheriffs-deputy-shot-officer-shooting-during-traffic-stop-homestead-road-terran-green/13662023/Association(s) Mentioned: Vendor(s) Mentioned:Contact:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-havelka-m-s-ccia-552115307/ Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/ye5x8grz46bxux4e/ErinHavelka_Transcript.pdf 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 Twitter: @leapodcasts
00:00:17 – Introducing Erin00:11:13 – RTCC Analyst00:21:26 – ABS: Deputy Shooting00:31:12 – Break:  Mallard & Bush00:30:43 – Internship Program00:43:40 – Advice00:54:09 – Personal Interest:  Traveler00:56:30 – Words to the World

Episode: 00277 Released on July 28, 2025 Description: What happens when a 911 dispatcher becomes the driving force behind an entire analysis and intelligence center? This week on Analyst Talk, host Jason Elder sits down with Jennifer Scavotto of the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office to explore her 20-year journey in law enforcement. Jennifer shares how a spontaneous decision led to a lifelong passion for analysis, beginning as a 911 operator and rising through the ranks to become manager of the agency’s Analysis and Intelligence Center. From building Excel workbooks during a multimillion-dollar gambling investigation to launching a real-time crime center with no additional budget, Jennifer reflects on defining moments, leadership lessons, and the evolution of crime analysis. Tune in for stories of grit, growth, and geekery including her favorite badge stories and a bonus segment on Disney vs. Universal! 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking![Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.]Name Drops:  Karen Allen (00:17:36)Public Service Announcements: Amanda Wiggins (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-amanda-wiggins-the-difference-maker/) Mandy Krueger (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-mandy-krueger-learned-probably-by-failure/) Related Links: https://www.seminolesheriff.org/ https://www.wesh.com/article/seminole-county-man-hitman-plot-to-murder-tv-star/64178214 https://www.ucf.edu/degree/sociology-ba/ https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Analyst-Academy https://extension.fullerton.edu/professionaldevelopment/certificates/crime https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/FCJEI/Executive-Leadership-Seminar.aspx Association(s) Mentioned: Vendor(s) Mentioned:Contact:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-scavotto-b210b916/ Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/48drnn8rv2vktssk/Scavotto_Transcript.pdf 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 Twitter: @leapodcasts
00:00:17 – Introducing Jennifer00:11:03 – ABS: Illegal Gambling00:18:06 – Financial Crime Investigator 00:31:12 – Break:  Wiggins & Krueger00:31:56 – ABS: Triple Homicide00:47:21 – Training00:52:01 – Advice00:54:25 – Personal Interest:  Disney & Universal Theme Parks01:07:10 – Words to the World

Episode: 00276 Released on July 21, 2025 Description: What happens when an intern with military intelligence experience is tasked with building a crime analysis unit from scratch? This week on Analyst Talk, host Jason Elder speaks with Victoria Curtis, an intern at the McPherson Police Department in Kansas and former Air Force intelligence officer. Victoria shares how she discovered the law enforcement analysis profession, pitched the creation of an analyst unit, and built it from the ground up. From Excel dashboards to city commission briefings, she offers an inspiring look at determination, innovation, and the power of saying “yes” to your own potential. 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking![Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.]This episode includes a call-in segment: Favorite First Jobs.Jan Mondale (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-jan-mondale-inquiring-minds/) Alexander Gulde (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-alexander-gulde-analyst-work-is-police-work/) Heather Fairburn (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-heather-fairburn-the-fire-within/) Erica Wiles (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-erika-wiles-venture-forth-and-appreciate/) Amanda Schenk (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-amanda-schenk-the-successful-applicant/) Name Drops:  Sabrina Potts (00:15:28), Jessica Dirks (00:21:40), Chris Delaney (00:29:53), Steve Gottlieb (00:39:30)Public Service Announcements: Jeff Vandersip (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/jeffrey-vandersip-the-crackerjack-analyst/) Shawn Fisher (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/shawn-fisher-the-geographer/) Related Links: https://www.mcpcity.com/171/Police-Department https://www.victoriacurtisanalysis.com/ https://degrees.apps.asu.edu/masters-phd/major/ASU00/PPCRMAGRCT/crime-analysis-graduate-certificate Association(s) Mentioned: Vendor(s) Mentioned:Contact:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-curtis-veteran/ Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/36u37uzrrbxc4nue/VictoriaCurtis_transcript.pdf 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 Twitter: @leapodcasts
00:00:17 – Introducing Victoria00:08:24 – Air Force00:11:56 – McPherson PD 00:24:30 – Break:  Jeff Vandersip & Shawn Fisher00:26:06 – Building a Unit00:33:34 – ASU Graduate Certificate00:38:14 – Advice00:39:25 – Favorite First Jobs00:51:40 – Personal Interest:  Military Clothing00:55:00 – Words to the World

Episode: 00275 Released on July 14, 2025 Description: In this ninth installment of the Before You Leap series on Analyst Talk with Jason Elder, Jason and Randy tackle the complex dynamics of collaboration in law enforcement analysis. They explore the challenges analysts face in task forces, commissions, and working groups—where critical thinking is essential but often constrained by deadlines, group dynamics, and institutional bias. Randy unpacks the influence of identity politics, information silos, and organizational satisficing, emphasizing the importance of candor, humility, and structured analytic techniques. Together, they reflect on how analysts can maintain mission integrity, question assumptions, and navigate collaboration without losing sight of objectivity. Whether you're a line analyst or a team leader, this deep dive offers essential insights for staying grounded in purpose while working with others.🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking! [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.]Get to know more about Randy by listening to his episode on Analyst Talk With Jason Elder: https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-randy-stickley-the-self-promoter/ 
Name Drops: Related Links:  Rethinking Thought https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJ82G1PL/ref=tsm_1_fb_lk https://www.amazon.com/Intelligence-Secrets-Mark-M-Lowenthal/dp/1544325061 davecariens.comBook on Amazonhttps://mattheweaton.net/posts/9-commandments-of-intelligence-analysis-the-kent-analytic-doctrine/ Association(s) Mentioned: Vendor(s) Mentioned: Contact: randall.c.stickleyii@gmail.com; https://www.linkedin.com/in/randall-stickley-36b0a5109/  Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/36rs8j6zz95ixkyt/BYL09_transcript.pdf 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 Twitter: @leapodcasts