Analyst Talk - Vanessa Martinovici - The More Than Crime Mapping Analyst

Episode: 00331 Released on August 10, 2026 Description:  What does an investigative analyst actually do? In this episode, Jason sits down with Vanessa Martinovici, Criminal Intelligence Analyst with the Rocky Mountain Information Network (RMIN), to discuss her journey from discovering the profession during a college internship to supporting complex investigations across the western United States. Vanessa explains how Regional Information Sharing Systems (RISS) support agencies with specialized analytical services, why investigative analysts have become indispensable in the digital evidence era, and how analysts contribute to child abuse, organized retail crime, and transnational investigations. She also shares insights into the Arizona Law Enforcement Analyst Academy, the growing specialization within the profession, and why stepping outside your comfort zone is essential for career growth. The conversation concludes with an important discussion on online child safety and the emerging challenges posed by AI-generated child sexual abuse material. 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking! [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.] Name Drops:  Cassidy Richardson (00:06:19), Kris Mayes (00:14:35), Dr. Jessica Herbert (00:45:24), Mike and Brittany Winslow (01:04:05) Public Service Announcements: Zoe Chenier (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-zoe-chenier-%e2%80%93-the-australian-retail-crime-analyst/)  Svetlana Gubin (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-svetlana-gubin-the-power-of-math/) Erica Logan (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-erica-logan-veterans-in-analysis/) Related Links: https://www.riss.net/centers/rmin/  https://www.aacaonline.org/ https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-kris-mayes-announces-results-organized-retail-theft-task-force Association(s) Mentioned: Vendor(s) Mentioned: Contact:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-m-36b01223a/ Transcript:  https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/sbx59bn4gatuzbff/VanessaMartinovici_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 00:00:25 - Introducing Vanessa 00:02:25 - Discovering law enforcement analysis through an internship 00:07:10 - Analyst Badge Story: Romanian organized retail crime and EBT fraud investigation 00:15:31 - Joining the Rocky Mountain Information Network (RMIN) 00:18:41 - What RISS is and how it supports law enforcement 00:23:53 - How agencies request analytical support 00:28:31 - Common misconceptions about RISS 00:34:10 - Analyst Badge Story: Child abuse investigation through digital evidence 00:45:24 - Types of law enforcement analysts and increasing specialization 00:57:11 - Arizona Law Enforcement Analyst Academy 01:07:05 - Advice for analysts 01:08:17 - Personal interest: Learning to shoot firearms 01:11:15 - Words to the World: AI-generated child exploitation concerns