Leapodcasts

Episode: 00344 Released on November 9, 2026 Description: What if a single shell casing could help uncover an entire criminal network? Returning guest Manny San Pedro joins Jason Elder for his second appearance on Analyst Talk to explore how ballistic evidence can reveal connections between shootings, firearms, individuals, and organized crime groups. Manny discusses his return to criminal intelligence analysis and the challenges of organizing and analyzing ballistic data. He explains how systems such as IBIS and NIBIN help connect firearm-related incidents, but also why traditional ballistic reports may not reveal the full picture. Manny shares how he uses Python, VBA, and link analysis software to assign unique Firearm Signature IDs (FSIDs), allowing analysts to uncover previously hidden relationships between cases. By combining ballistic evidence with records management systems, telephone records, and other intelligence sources, analysts can identify potential retaliation patterns, discover investigative leads, and better understand criminal networks. The conversation highlights the importance of looking beyond individual reports, asking better questions, and transforming existing data into actionable intelligence.  [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.] Name Drops: Deb Osborne (00:03:17), Mike Winslow (00:22:00) Related Links:  https://www.atf.gov/resource-center/fact-sheet/national-integrated-ballistic-information-network https://epe.lac-bac.gc.ca/100/201/301/rapport_situation_drogues/2008/fsis-ssji/docs/cibin-rciib-eng.pdf Manny’s channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@allaboutanalysis Manny’s first podcast:  https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-manny-san-pedro-the-penalty-box-analyst/  Association(s) Mentioned:  Vendor(s) Mentioned:  Contact: [email protected]; https://www.linkedin.com/in/crimemapping/  Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/cixitn5zca3wqqhh/MannySanPadroEp02_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 Twitter: @leapodcasts

Episode: 00343 Released on November 2, 2026 Description: Who takes care of the people who help solve crimes? In the seventh installment of Did You Know with Mike Winslow, Mike joins Jason Elder to discuss an often-overlooked topic in law enforcement analysis: analyst wellness. While officer wellness receives considerable attention, analysts also experience stress, emotional challenges, and exposure to disturbing cases that can affect their well-being. Mike shares a personal experience involving an investigation that resulted in an officer being shot. Although Mike was not responsible for what happened, his analytical work helped locate the suspect, leaving him struggling with feelings of responsibility. He explains how support from his wife, colleagues, and a critical incident debrief helped him process the experience and recognize the importance of talking through difficult situations. The conversation shifts to practical ways analysts can manage stress and recharge. Mike describes three of his favorite outlets: physical exercise, video games, and contrast therapy involving saunas and cold plunges. Jason and Mike also explore the benefits of walking, hiking, puzzles, music, meditation, and spending time with pets. They emphasize that there is no universal solution. What matters is finding something that works for you. As the holidays approach, this episode offers a reminder that taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of the work. Whether you're experiencing the emotional weight of a difficult case or simply having a stressful day, finding a healthy outlet can make a difference. As Mike puts it, "It is cool to take care of yourself and each other." 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking!   [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.] Get to know more about Mike by listening to his episode on Analyst Talk With Jason Elder: https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/episode-006-mike-winslow-%e2%80%93-the-ambassador/  Name Drops: Kimber Burks-Reece (00:04:30), Brittany Winslow (00:09:15), Parker the Dog (00:19:30)  Related Links:  Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) - https://icisf.org/ https://www.crossfit.com/ https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/police All Deep Dive Episodes: https://www.leapodcasts.com/p/deep-dives/  Association(s) Mentioned:  Vendor(s) Mentioned:  Contact: [email protected]; https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikewinslow1414/  Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/devmehef3arqmspa/DYK07_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 Twitter: @leapodcasts

Episode: 00342 Released on October 26, 2026 Description: After spending 26 years working in minor league baseball, Amy Schoch never imagined her next career would be in law enforcement analysis. But when COVID brought her baseball career to an unexpected end, she found herself starting over as an administrative assistant with the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. What began as a temporary job turned into a second career and a new passion. In this episode of Analyst Talk with Jason Elder, Amy shares her journey from baseball promotions and marketing to becoming an criminal intelligence analyst. She discusses how her marketing background influences her approach to data visualization, dashboards, and analytical products, and why analysts need to think about how they communicate and market their work to decision-makers. Amy also shares her Analyst Badge Story involving a series of dollar store robberies. By mapping locations, identifying patterns, and looking beyond county boundaries, she helped connect investigations and identify a suspect. The experience reinforced the value of curiosity, creative thinking, and collaboration across jurisdictions. The conversation also explores using AI to improve analytical products, the importance of continuous learning, and the surprising similarities between baseball and crime analysis. Amy and Jason even play a game of "Baseball or Crime Analysis?" before discussing running, Disney races, and Amy's Words to the World: "Look beyond the obvious and understand the story beneath it." [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.] Name Drops:  Bob Ross (00:08:15), Mike Winslow (00:20:55), Sean Ramaran (00:43:20), Natalie Fellows (00:45:20), Dr. Carly Province (00:45:25)  Public Service Announcements: Jessica Elsmore (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-jessica-elsmore-the-hustler/) Kyle Mcfatridge (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-kyle-mcfatridge-the-sna-sme/) Jennifer Loper (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-jennifer-loper-the-junk-drawer/) Related Links:  https://www.nashville.gov/departments/police https://www.mlb.com/milb/nashville DYK with Mike Winslow:  https://www.leapodcasts.com/?s=did%20you%20know%20with%20Mike%20winslow  Sean Ramaran:  https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-sean-rambaran-the-let-bylaws-be-bygones-analyst/  Association(s) Mentioned: Vendor(s) Mentioned: Contact:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/aschoch/ Transcript:  https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/54ixcgqa2wazq3n8/AmySchoch_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 Twitter: @leapodcasts 00:02:08 - From Minor League Baseball to Law Enforcement Analysis 00:10:35 - Adjusting to Police Department Culture 00:16:35 - Applying Marketing Skills to Analytical Products 00:25:35 - Using AI and Technology to Improve Analyst Work 00:31:15 - Amy's Analyst Badge Story: The Dollar Store Robbery Series 00:37:45 - Marketing the Value of Crime Analysis 00:40:55 - Baseball or Crime Analysis? A Game of Shared Concepts 00:44:50 - Advice for Analysts: Be a Sponge 00:46:30 - Personal Interests: Running and Disney Races 00:52:55 - Words to the World: Look Beyond the Obvious

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  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 Twitter: @leapodcasts 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

Episode: 00340 Released on October 12, 2026 Description: What happens when crime analysts and fire analysts start comparing notes? They may discover they are working on many of the same community problems, just from different perspectives. In the third episode of the Law Enforcement Analyst Networks (LEAN) series, Jason Elder welcomes Jessica LeBlanc, Melissa Heiderman, and Shannon Deutschman from the Association of Fire and Emergency Services Analysts (AFESA). The guests introduce this growing professional association, explain its four pillars of advocacy, education, innovation, and networking, and discuss how AFESA is building a community for analysts working in fire, rescue, and emergency services. They also share their career journeys and the challenges of establishing analytical roles within their agencies. The conversation explores how fire and emergency services analysts use data to improve emergency response, resource allocation, GIS mapping, and community risk reduction. The guests highlight the similarities between crime analysis and fire service analysis, including the challenges of collecting reliable data, gaining support from first responders, and turning information into actionable insights. The discussion even leads to the creation of a new, entirely unofficial concept: NPTED, or Nuisance Prevention Through Environmental Design. What starts as a lighthearted exchange about Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) raises an interesting question about applying environmental design principles to problems beyond traditional crime prevention. Who knows? Maybe NPTED will catch on! A central theme of the episode is the opportunity for greater collaboration between law enforcement and fire service analysts. From overdoses and pedestrian safety to wildfires and emergency response, the guests explain how sharing data and perspectives can help agencies better understand and address community problems. They also discuss the future of AFESA, the importance of professional recognition, and the value of building networks that extend beyond departmental boundaries. Whether you work in law enforcement, fire services, or another area of public safety, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how analysts can learn from one another and make a greater impact together. 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking!   [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.] Name Drops: Public Service Announcements: Jessica Elsmore (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-jessica-elsmore-the-hustler/) Kyle Mcfatridge (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-kyle-mcfatridge-the-sna-sme/) Jennifer Loper (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-jennifer-loper-the-junk-drawer/) Related Links:  https://www.afesa.org/ https://www.cpse.org/ https://www.usfa.fema.gov/ 5 E’s of Community Risk Reduction: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/community-risk-reduction/ Jessica LeBlanc:  https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-jessica-leblanc-the-90-percentile-analyst/   Association(s) Mentioned:  Vendor(s) Mentioned:  Contact: [email protected]    Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/t38mugbpggymmx6y/LEAN_AFESA_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 Twitter: @leapodcasts 00:00:25 - Introducing AFESA Panel 00:08:00 - AFESA's Mission, Four Pillars, and Membership 00:16:00 - What Does a Fire and Emergency Services Analyst Do? 00:23:00 - Comparing Crime Analysis and Fire Service Analysis 00:33:00 - GIS Mapping, Emergency Response, and Resource Planning 00:39:00 - How AFESA Supports Analysts Through Networking and Mentorship 00:43:00 - How AFESA Can Benefit Law Enforcement Analysts 00:47:00 - How Law Enforcement Analysts Can Support AFESA 00:50:00 - CPTED, Environmental Design, and the Birth of NPTED 00:57:00 - The Future of AFESA and Professional Development  Jessica LeBlanc Melissa Heiderman Shannon Deutschman