From Street Crime to Data Solutions

Behind meaningful crime insights is the complex process of turning fragmented data into reliable, actionable intelligence. Dr. Grant Drawve and Emily Blackburn explore the problem-solving, expertise, and human perspective required to make sense of crime data and use it to support safer communities and smarter business decisions.

Geography of Crime: A Conversation with Emily Blackburn

What does it take to turn thousands of messy crime reports into insights that can shape safer communities and smarter business decisions? In the latest episode of the Geography of Crime podcast, host Dr. Grant Drawve sits down with Emily Blackburn, CAP Index’s Director of Geospatial Crime Solutions, to find out.

Emily’s path to crime analysis was not a straight line. From investigating Medicaid fraud in Florida to spending 15 years with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, her career has spanned both white-collar and street crime. Along the way, she has built a reputation as a leading voice in crime analysis, and now she brings that expertise to CAP Index.

What’s in this Episode?

In this episode, Emily and Grant dive into:

• The art of problem-solving in crime analysis. Why asking the right questions matters more than jumping to quick answers.
• Messy crime data behind the scenes. What it takes to transform scattered agency reports into apples-to-apples comparisons for clients.
• The human side of crime stats. Remembering that every data point represents real people, communities, and businesses.
• Biggest frustrations with crime data today. Including why many police departments cannot easily access their own records.
• Advice for aspiring analysts. From asking tough questions to carving out time for professional growth.

Emily also shares candid stories, including Operation Dirty Dozen, a Medicaid fraud case that still sticks with her. She reflects on how perception and reality often diverge when it comes to crime.

Listen now to hear Emily’s insights, career lessons, and vision for the future of crime analysis.

Watch the full episode here.

Read the episode transcript here.