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Episode: 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 renewed sense of purpose. Megan offers insight into leading a rebuilding unit, balancing specialization and generalization, and why analysts must recognize their value in shaping decisions and supporting public safety. 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking! [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.] This episode contains the fan-favorite segment “Don't Be That Analyst”! Amanda Schenk (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-amanda-schenk-the-successful-applicant/) Mandy Calley (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-mandy-calley-go-gators/) Patrick Baldwin (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/patrick-baldwin-snake-bit-by-technology/) Anthony Bush (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-anthony-bush-jail-calls-rock/) Cynthia Peterman (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-cynthia-peterman-living-the-analyst-dream/) Name Drops:  Chris Cruz (00:00:44 https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-christopher-cruz-from-analyst-to-technologist-to-ai-leader/ https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-chris-cruz-the-crowned-jewel-analyst/  ), Dr. Jerry Radcliffe (00:55:59) 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.rva.gov/police https://vsp.virginia.gov/stay-informed-if-you-know-something-or-see-something-say-something/ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jip.1566  Association(s) Mentioned:  Vendor(s) Mentioned: Contact:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-cruz-m-s-88861421b/ Transcript:  https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/cyfj6jmx8uyqucrx/MeganCruz_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: [email protected]  Podcast Webpage: www.leapodcasts.com  Podcast X: @leapodcasts 00:00:00 Introduction to Megan Cruz 00:02:00 Discovering law enforcement analysis after 9/11 00:06:00 Fusion centers vs real time crime centers explained 00:18:00 Using Newton Swoop to solve a theft series 00:28:00 Working a serial assault case and linking incidents 00:34:00 Burnout during 2020 and stepping away from policing 00:40:00 Returning as a supervisor and rebuilding a unit 00:50:00 Advice for analysts confidence and curiosity 01:04:42 Don’t Be That Analyst 01:16:09 Words to the World

Episode: 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 which refers to the massive amounts of data being created, variety which reflects the many different formats and sources of data, and velocity which captures the speed at which data is generated and must be processed. He further discusses the growing role of technical skills and the realities of managing analysts while reminding us that behind every dataset are real people impacted by the work. 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking! [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.] Name Drops:  David Grabelski (00:01:14 https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-david-grabelski-the-life-triangle/ ) 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: Intelct.com IA + AI - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/analyst-algorithm-how-turn-ai-your-ultimate-wingman-robert-aboumitri-ozkie/ https://rcmp.ca/en https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assassination_of_Rafic_Hariri  Gazette Article:  https://share.google/n7T9OzxM1PpSKR3FZ  Association(s) Mentioned:  Vendor(s) Mentioned: Contact:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-aboumitri/ Transcript:  https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/wruuqhirvuhww823/Robert_Aboumitri_transcriptbahoy.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: [email protected]  Podcast Webpage: www.leapodcasts.com  Podcast X: @leapodcasts 00:00:17 – Introducing Robert 00:01:00 – From marketing research to intelligence analyst after 9/11 00:09:30 – Discovering cell site analysis and Excel-driven breakthroughs 00:13:30 – UN investigation and analyzing 46 billion records 00:23:30 – Building a communications data analysis unit 00:34:30 – Data challenges: volume, variety, velocity and AI 00:44:00 – Managing analysts and matching strengths to roles 01:03:00 – Words to the World  

Episode: 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're attending for the first time or you're a seasoned analyst, you’ll gain insight into how to prepare, what to expect, and how to make the most of one of the profession’s premier events. Fun fact: the conference location is within walking distance of a piece of the Berlin Wall and Butterbeer for Harry Potter fans. 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking! [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.] Name Drops:  Randy Stickley (00:05:02), Mark Glass (00:13:07), John Cohen (00:19:48), Sean Rambaran (00:24:58) 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 Learn from those who built it:  https://www.leapodcasts.com/?s=IALEIA Related Links: Conference Flyer:  https://www.ialeia.org/docs/2026_Orlando_Flyer.30Mar25.pdf Conference Homepage:  https://web.cvent.com/event/fece0c63-b166-4ebb-bdfb-f09bfa56b29b/summary https://leiu.org/ https://www.ialeia.org/ Kelly’s Podcast Episode:  https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-kelly-kimsey-bram-stoker-s-analyst/ Conference Speakers Who Were on Analyst Talk Podcast Sean Rambaran (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-sean-rambaran-the-let-bylaws-be-bygones-analyst/) Akshara Kumavat (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-%c2%a0akshata-kumavat-the-offender-focused-analyst-1659959048/) Stacy Belledin (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/stacy-belledin-the-voice/)  Association(s) Mentioned:  IALEIA, LEIU Vendor(s) Mentioned: Contact:   [email protected];  [email protected]    Transcript:  https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/tm65y2p5b8gnwaci/LEIU_IALEIA_Conf_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: [email protected]  Podcast Webpage: www.leapodcasts.com  Podcast X: @leapodcasts 00:00:17 – Welcome and episode overview - Conference Home (link) 00:02:00 – Conference dates, location, and registration tips -Conference Details (link) -Registration (link) 00:04:00 – Pre-conference courses (OSINT and ArcGIS) -Pre-Conference Training (link) -Costs (link) 00:07:00 – Opening day and keynote session preview - Agenda Overview (link) 00:13:00 – CIA Bin Laden pursuit panel discussion (link) 00:19:00 – AI, briefings, and wearable technology sessions (link) 00:27:00 – Breakout tracks, certifications, and networking opportunities -Conference Details / Tracks (link) -Breakout Tracks (link) -Speakers (link) -Earn Certificates (link)

Episode: 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 today, what skills matter most, and how AI will reshape the profession without replacing the need for human judgment. 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking! [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.] Name Drops: Public Service Announcements: Dr. Eliann Carr on the Crime Analyst Census Survey Link to survey:  https://form.jotform.com/251745683433058 Related Links: Large Language Models for Mortals: A Practical Guide for Analysts with Python, https://crimede-coder.com/blogposts/2026/LLMsForMortals Promo Code:  LEAPLLM for $20 off LLM paperback and epub Previous Analyst Talk Podcast:  https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-dr-andrew-wheeler-crime-de-coder/ Analyst Talk AI Series:  https://www.leapodcasts.com/?s=AI Association(s) Mentioned: Vendor(s) Mentioned: Contact: [email protected], https://www.linkedin.com/company/crime-de-coder/ Transcript:  https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/xnj5k9n9u4553axk/CruzLLMs_transcripts.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: [email protected]  Podcast Webpage: www.leapodcasts.com  Podcast X: @leapodcasts 00:00:17 Introducing Andrew 00:01:00 Why Andrew wrote LLMs for Mortals 00:06:00 What LLM APIs actually are 00:10:00 Practical use cases for analysts 00:20:00 What is RAG and why it matters 00:30:00 Hallucinations and reliability risks 00:39:00 Will AI replace analysts?

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 sharpen their critical thinking, improve communication, and produce more reliable intelligence products. 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking! [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.] Get to know more about Randy by listening to his episodes on Analyst Talk With Jason Elder: https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-randy-stickley-the-self-promoter/ https://www.leapodcasts.com/?s=BeforeYouLeap  Name Drops: Public Service Announcements: 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 Dr. Eliann Carr on the Crime Analyst Census Survey Link to survey:  https://form.jotform.com/251745683433058 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 Richards Heuer – Psychology of Intelligence Analysis https://www.ialeia.org/docs/Psychology_of_Intelligence_Analysis.pdf Mark Lowenthal – Intelligence: From Secrets to Policy https://study.sagepub.com/system/files/lowenthal6e_im.pdf Sherman Kent – Words of Estimative Probability https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Words_of_estimative_probability Analysis of Competing Hypotheses (ACH) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Analysis_of_competing_hypotheses CIA – A Tradecraft Primer: Structured Analytic Techniques https://www.cia.gov/resources/csi/static/Tradecraft-Primer-apr09.pdf Association(s) Mentioned:  Vendor(s) Mentioned:  Contact: [email protected]; https://www.linkedin.com/in/randall-stickley-36b0a5109/   Transcript:  No transcripts due to technical issue  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: [email protected]   Podcast Webpage: www.leapodcasts.com   Podcast X: @leapodcasts

Episode: 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 analytic standards, and the importance of professional involvement in advancing the field. Listeners will also hear Greg’s perspective on geospatial intelligence, artificial intelligence in analysis, and why critical thinking, writing, and communication remain core skills for analysts. Greg closes by sharing career advice for analysts and emphasizing the importance of maintaining balance outside of work. 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking! [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.] Name Drops: Public Service Announcements: Dr. Eliann Carr on the Crime Analyst Census Survey Link to survey:  https://form.jotform.com/251745683433058 Related Links: Analytic Standards, 2nd edition - https://bja.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh186/files/media/document/law_enforcement_analytic_standards_04202_combined_compliant.pdf Penn State’s geospatial program - https://geospatial.psu.edu/ IALEIA Journal of Intelligence and Analysis - https://www.ialeia.org/journal_of_intelligence_and_an.php Association(s) Mentioned:  IALEIA, LEIU Vendor(s) Mentioned: Contact: [email protected], https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-thomas-b2320432/ Transcript:   https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/prnrfbvsee8mhzsg/GregThomas_transcripts.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: [email protected]  Podcast Webpage: www.leapodcasts.com  Podcast X: @leapodcasts 00:00:17 Introducing Greg 00:03:00 Early career investigating organized crime 00:11:30 Joining the Pennsylvania State Police and analyst growth after 9/11 00:15:30 Development of the FIAT intelligence analyst training program 00:23:00 IALEIA analytic standards and professional development 00:33:00 Transition to Penn State and geospatial intelligence analysis 00:40:00 Artificial intelligence and the future of intelligence analysis 00:55:00 Career advice, privacy issues, and Words to the World

Episode: 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 enforcement, the private sector, or the military, you are encouraged to complete the survey and help provide an accurate snapshot of the profession. The conversation also explains the academic research process behind the survey, including Institutional Review Board protections, international translation, and how the results will help shape training, professional development, and future research on crime analysis. 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking! [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.] Name Drops: Kyle Stoker (multiple), Dr. Cody Stoddard (00:14:54, 00:36:24), Mark Han (00:02:24) Public Service Announcements: Related Links: Link to survey:  https://form.jotform.com/251745683433058 Association(s) Mentioned:  Vendor(s) Mentioned: Contact: See survey link https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-gabbard-a43a454/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliann-carr-84b284337/ Transcript:  https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/v6qb7fev8cc2sydd/CACensusSurvey_transcripts.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: [email protected]  Podcast Webpage: www.leapodcasts.com  Podcast X: @leapodcasts Official Press Release: Central Washington University is conducting a Crime Analyst Census Survey from February 18, 2026, to April 30, 2026. The total time to complete the survey can be up to 15 minutes, but on average will only take 5 minutes. A report on the results will be shared after the findings are published. The survey is completely anonymous, and participation is voluntary. Participants can access the survey through the provided QR Code or hyperlink. The survey is available in the following languages: English Spanish French Portuguese German Ukrainian Italian Thank you for taking the time to help us understand the diverse nature of the crime analysis career field. If there are any questions, please contact Dr. Eliann Carr, Crime & Intelligence Analyst, via phone (509.859.1671) or email ([email protected]) or Dr. Cody Stoddard, Central Washington University faculty representative, via email ([email protected]).    

Episode: 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 staffing gaps, vendor-driven AI deployments, and why analysts who learn to leverage AI will free up time for deeper analytical work instead of clerical tasks. 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking! [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.] Name Drops: Jan Mondale (00:07:00), Dawn Reeby (00:11:30), Mike Watson (00:27:00) Public Service Announcements: Dr. Eliann Carr promoting the Crime Analyst Census Survey Link to survey:  https://form.jotform.com/251745683433058 Related Links: https://chriscruz.cc/ https://www.justice.gov/ai https://huggingface.co/ https://www.nist.gov/itl/ai-risk-management-framework Key Terms: Large Language Model (LLM) – AI systems trained on massive text data to generate responses and analyze information AI Hallucinations – When AI produces incorrect or fabricated information confidently On-Premise AI – AI systems hosted locally on agency servers for data security Custom GPTs – AI tools trained with specific documents and instructions for specialized use Analyst as Technologist – The evolving role where analysts bridge data, IT, and operational needs Association(s) Mentioned:  Vendor(s) Mentioned: Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cruzcr/ Transcript:  https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/e9mhcar22x847wbq/ChrisCruzAI_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: [email protected]  Podcast Webpage: www.leapodcasts.com  Podcast X: @leapodcasts 00:00:17 – Introducing Chris 01:00 AI and the analyst perspective 02:30 Analyst as a technologist concept 05:30 Entry-level AI vs advanced AI tools 07:30 Trust but verify AI outputs and sources 09:00 Current state of AI adoption in policing 12:00 AI handling clerical and time-consuming tasks 15:00 Using custom AI tools trained on analyst workflows 17:00 AI fixing messy datasets and data cleaning 19:00 Hallucinations, accuracy, and verification risks 20:50 Break: Dr. Eliann Carr 24:00 Trust issues and legal considerations with AI 26:00 Data security and on-premise LLMs 31:00 Vendor-built AI systems vs custom deployments 33:30 How analysts can support AI implementation 36:00 Technology adoption challenges in agencies 38:30 2026 outlook for AI in law enforcement 41:00 AI in 911 and operational efficiency 43:00 Final thoughts: AI amplifies, not replaces analysts

Episode: 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 matter more than tools in the evolving world of analysis. This episode is essential listening for analysts navigating career growth, technological change, and the balance between expertise, impact, and longevity in the profession. 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking! [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.] Name Drops: David Jimenez (001:03), Steve Gottlieb/Sheldon Arenberg (00:15:53), John Murtha (00:35:29), Mark Mosop (00:38:17), Bob Heibel (00:43:00) Public Service Announcements: Related Links: https://www.mercyhurst.edu/academics/intelligence-studies https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/index.htm https://olli.arizona.edu/pd/6653/arizonas-greatest-criminal-manhunts-from-tomb?rid=1467&cid=1477&returncom=productlist&source=search Association(s) Mentioned:  IALEIA Vendor(s) Mentioned: I2 Contact:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-grabelski-1b43048/ Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/247vqx6tynjavrk7/DavidGrabelski_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: [email protected]  Podcast Webpage: www.leapodcasts.com  Podcast X: @leapodcasts 00:00:17 – Introducing David 00:01:50 Joining LAPD and early culture shock 00:07:00 Learning communication in jail division 00:12:10 Detective work vs. patrol mindset 00:15:20 First exposure to crime analysis and link charts 00:17:10 Fraternity sexual assault investigation and visual charting 00:23:00 Using flow charts in homicide and gang investigations 00:26:15 Failure of intelligence during the LA riots 00:29:00 Transition from LAPD to NDIC 00:35:10 Analyzing 1,500 unsolved homicide cases 00:42:50 Teaching intelligence at Mercyhurst University 00:49:00 Real-world student strategic projects 00:56:30 Growth of intelligence degree programs 01:09:45 The Life Triangle: Time, Health, and Wealth 01:12:40 Career reflection and retirement lessons

Episode: 00306 Released on February 16, 2026 Description: Real-Time Crime Centers continue to expand in both scope and responsibility, and drones are quickly becoming one of the most discussed emerging tools in the field. In this sixth installment of the Real Crime All The Time series on Analyst Talk with Jason Elder, Nikki North shares how Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs are being integrated into crime centers, what analysts and managers need to consider, and how staffing, training, legal concerns, and operational policies all play a role. Nikki breaks down how drones function as mobile cameras, the importance of FAA regulations, night flight training, weather considerations, and how agencies are strategically placing base stations based on call volume. The conversation also highlights how drones can support proactive policing, site assessments, disaster response, and real-time situational awareness beyond traditional camera networks. The episode also touches on a major career transition as Nikki moves from the public sector to the private industry, discussing why analysts are increasingly making that shift and how technology platforms are evolving toward a “single pane of glass” for analytical workflows. This episode is especially valuable for RTCC analysts, crime analysts, and agency leaders who are evaluating new technology adoption while balancing staffing, policy, and operational realities. 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking! [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.] Get to know more about Nikki by listening to her episodes on Analyst Talk With Jason Elder:   https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-nikki-nichole-north-%c2%a0real-time-crime-analyst/ https://www.leapodcasts.com/?s=real%20crime%20all%20the%20time Name Drops: Public Service Announcements: Podcast Listener Feedback Survey. To complete, click here. Related Links: https://flsheriffs.org/blog/entry/the-role-of-technology-in-law-enforcement/ Association(s) Mentioned:  RTCCA Vendor(s) Mentioned: IRIS Contact: reach me athttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-north-196377239/ Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/b85i8e8gifyeqqfe/RTCC06_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: [email protected]  Podcast Webpage: www.leapodcasts.com  Podcast X: @leapodcasts