Shows
LeapodcastsAnalyst Talk - Dr. Scott Keay - Improving Intelligence Analysis in PolicingEpisode: 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 I...
2026-04-271h 40LeapodcastsAnalyst Talk - Megan Cruz - From Burnout to LeadershipEpisode: 00315 Released on April 20, 2026 Description: In this episode of Analyst Talk with Jason Elder, Megan Cruz shares her journey from discovering law enforcement analysis after 9/11 to becoming a crime analyst supervisor with the Richmond Police Department. With 13 years of experience and a Master’s in Homeland Security, Megan reflects on early challenges with confidence, the importance of curiosity in analysis, and how a Newton Swoope helped identify a theft series tied to a drug operation. She also discusses working a complex serial assault case, the impact of burnout during the 2020 civil unrest, and her return to the profession with a r...
2026-04-201h 17LeapodcastsAnalyst Talk - Robert Aboumitri - The Triple V AnalystEpisode: 00314 Released on April 13, 2026 Description: In this episode of Analyst Talk with Jason Elder, recently retired RCMP analyst Robert Aboumitri shares insights from a 24 year career that helped shape modern communications data analysis including analyzing 46 billion call detail records in a landmark international investigation. A certified expert witness in communications data analysis and geospatial analysis, with 24 years of RCMP experience and international investigative work, Robert brings a unique perspective to the evolution of intelligence work. From pioneering cell site analysis to building specialized analytical units and training analysts worldwide, he breaks down the Triple V of modern data, volume w...
2026-04-131h 04LeapodcastsAnalyst Talk - 2026 LEIU/IALEIA Conference Agenda Deep DiveEpisode: 00313 Released on April 6, 2026 Description: In this special deep dive episode, Jason Elder sits down with Kelly Kimsey to walk through everything you need to know about the 2026 LEIU/IALEIA Annual Training Event in Orlando, Florida. Featuring sessions on AI, OSINT, critical thinking, wearable technology, and high-profile intelligence case studies including a CIA panel on the Bin Laden pursuit, this episode highlights the speakers and topics you won’t want to miss. From registration tips and pre-conference courses to keynote sessions, certification tracks, and networking opportunities, this episode serves as your complete guide to maximizing the conference experience. Whether you...
2026-04-0648 minLeapodcastsAnalyst Talk - Dr. Andrew Wheeler - Large Language Models for MortalsEpisode: 00312 Released on March 30, 2026 Description: In this episode of Analyst Talk, Jason Elder welcomes back Dr. Andrew Wheeler, who recently authored the book Large Language Models for Mortals, to explore how large language models are transforming the work of analysts. Moving beyond chatbots, Andrew breaks down practical applications such as extracting insights from reports, automating workflows, and integrating AI with tools like SQL and Excel. He explains key concepts like APIs and retrieval augmented generation in a way analysts can understand, while also addressing risks like hallucinations and reliability issues. This conversation focuses on what analysts can realistically build t...
2026-03-3054 minLeapodcastsAnalyst Talk - Before You Leap - High Confidence. Wrong Answer.Episode: 00311 Released on March 23, 2026 Description: In this 12th installment of the Before You Leap deep dive series, Randy Stickley joins Jason Elder to break down one of the most critical challenges in intelligence work: the confidence–accuracy gap. Why do analysts sometimes express high confidence in incorrect assessments or low confidence in correct ones? Randy explores the underlying causes, including epistemic limits, time pressure, bias, and the illusion of precision. He also discusses the real-world consequences, from intelligence failures to missed warning signs, and offers practical solutions to improve analytical rigor. This episode is a must-listen for analysts looking to...
2026-03-2327 minLeapodcastsAnalyst Talk - Dr. Greg Thomas – From Organized Crime to GEOINT - IALEIAEpisode: 00310 Released on March 16, 2026 Description: In this episode of Analyst Talk with Jason Elder, Dr. Greg Thomas returns to the show to discuss his journey from investigating organized crime to teaching geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) at Penn State University. Greg reflects on the early days of intelligence analysis, his work with the Pennsylvania Crime Commission and Pennsylvania State Police, and how the profession expanded dramatically after 9/11. The conversation also highlights the role of the International Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysts (IALEIA) in shaping analyst training, standards, and professional development. Greg discusses the Foundations of Intelligence Analysis Training (FIAT), IALEIA a...
2026-03-161h 03LeapodcastsAnalyst Talk - Defining the Field: The Crime Analyst Census SurveyEpisode: 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 e...
2026-03-0946 minLeapodcastsAnalyst Talk - Christopher Cruz - From Analyst to Technologist to AI LeaderEpisode: 00308 Released on March 2, 2026 Description: Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how crime analysts work, but many analysts are still unsure where it truly fits in their role. In this episode, Christopher Cruz returns to Analyst Talk with Jason Elder to discuss AI’s real impact on law enforcement analysis, the concept of the analyst as a technologist, and why AI should be viewed as a tool for efficiency rather than replacement. The conversation explores data cleaning automation, report generation, custom large language models, trust and verification, and how agencies are cautiously piloting AI solutions. Chris also shares insights on sta...
2026-03-0244 minLeapodcastsAnalyst Talk - David Grabelski - The Life Triangle - IALEIAEpisode: 00307 Released on February 23, 2026 Description: In this episode of Analyst Talk with Jason Elder, David Grabelski shares insights from a 55-year career spanning LAPD homicide, gang investigations, NDIC intelligence work, and teaching at Mercyhurst University. He discusses the early days of link analysis, visual investigative charting, and how analytical thinking shaped real-world investigations long before modern tools existed. David also introduces the “Life Triangle” of time, health, and wealth, and how it applies not only to career progression but to long-term professional sustainability. The conversation explores intelligence failures, the importance of broad experience over early specialization, and why skillsets matt...
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