Analyst Talk - Shanna Spagnuolo - From Plotter Printers to Private Sector Powerhouse

Episode: 00259 Released on March 24, 2025 Description: In this episode of Analyst Talk with Jason Elder, Jason sits down with Shanna Spagnuolo, an accomplished crime analyst with 16 years of experience in law enforcement analysis and two decades in the field overall. Shanna shares her unconventional entry into the profession—starting with a love for German Shepherds—and takes us through her diverse career, from Shasta County to the California DOJ, to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department, and now in the private sector at LexisNexis.

We dive into how she spearheaded innovative programs, supervised a team of nearly 30 analysts, and navigated the shift from public to private sector work. Shanna offers candid insights on leadership, hiring philosophies, project management, and the evolving role of analysts. She also discusses the power of partnerships between agencies and private sector experts, and the growing importance of remote work.

Whether you're new to analysis or a seasoned pro, Shanna’s story is a masterclass in resilience, innovation, and impact. [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.]

CHALLENGE: There are Easter eggs in one of the tables of the Excel chapter that Jason wrote for the IACA textbook. First-person to email us at leapodcasts@gmail.com about what the Easter eggs are will receive a $75 gift card from us. Happy hunting!

*** Episode 7 Analysis - IACA Conference Preview - Rethinking Thought https://youtu.be/YC_b8GWofDk  ***

Name Drops:
Becky Haislip (00:04:13), Liz Rodriguez/Annie Mitchell (00:12:33), Tony Veltri (00:16:46), Scott Jackman/Mark Loizo (00:35:24), Charlie Giberti (01:00:16)
Public Service Announcements:
Kassie Langdon (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-kassie-langdon/)
Shannon Kail (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-shannon-kail-intercontinental-pizza-party/)
Logan Konopasek (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-logan-konopasek-%e2%80%93-from-probation-to-patterns/)
Related Links:
https://risk.lexisnexis.com/insights-resources/infographic/public-safety-special-investigations-unit-resume
https://risk.lexisnexis.com/law-enforcement-and-public-safety/public-safety-investigative-services-and-consulting
https://risk.lexisnexis.com/law-enforcement-and-public-safety/public-safety-investigative-services-and-consulting/meet-the-public-safety-special-investigations-unit
Association(s) Mentioned: 

Vendor(s) Mentioned: 

Contact:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannaspagnuolo/, shanna.spagnuolo@lexisnexisrisk.com 

Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/kyhrpid4wenjws4v/ShannaSpagnuolo_transcript.pdf 

Podcast Writer: 

Podcast Researcher: 

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00:00:17 – Introducing Shanna
00:07:59 – MS-13 Gang Graffiti Project
00:11:22 – LA County Sheriff’s Department
00:20:09 – Hiring, Discipline, & Training
00:32:23 – Break: Kassie Langdon, Shannon Kail, & Logan Konopasek
00:33:44 – Fork in the Road - Norman, OK
00:37:30 – Lexisnexis & Private Sector Analysts
01:02:14 – Advice
01:04:08 – Personal Interest:  German Shepherd Trainer
01:06:01 – Words to the World