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Analyst Talk - Megan Cruz - From Burnout to Leadership
Episode 315
Monday, 20 April, 2026

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: leapodcasts@gmail.com 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