Episode: 00297 Released on December 15, 2025 Description: In this episode, Jason talks with Matt Sessions, a problem solving tactical advisor and consultant with deep experience in evidence-based policing across the UK. Matt shares how he found his way into problem solving, why logic and curiosity drive effective analysis, and how policing culture can either lift or limit innovation. The conversation explores catalytic converter thefts, underlying causes versus root causes, analyst roles in POP, and the importance of strategic accountability. Matt also discusses his award-winning work, his transition to consulting, and why problem solving succeeds only when analysts and officers work together with intention. 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking! [Note: Description produced by ChatGPT.]

Name Drops:  
Public Service Announcements:
Steve French (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/steve-french-%e2%80%93-one-compassionate-chap/)
Manny San Pedro (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-manny-san-pedro-the-penalty-box-analyst/)
Svetlana Gubin (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-svetlana-gubin-the-power-of-math/)

Related Links:
www.cambridge-ebp.co.uk
https://popcenter.asu.edu/categories/tilley-awards
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10439463.2021.2003361#d1e207
https://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/crimeanalysis60steps.pdf
https://www.radford.edu/humanities-behavioral-sciences/police-practice/stratified-policing.html
https://www.rand.org/pubs/tools/TL261/better-policing-toolkit/all-strategies/problem-oriented-policing.html
https://popcenter.asu.edu/content/what-pop
Association(s) Mentioned:
Vendor(s) Mentioned:
Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-sessions-2b646a12a/
Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/bmdnrhpsnrb8ytwz/MattSessions_transcript.pdf
Podcast Writer:
Podcast Researcher:
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00:00:17 – Introducing Matt
00:02:19 – Discovering Problem Solving
00:16:31 – Starting During Covid
00:23:43 – Catalytic Converter Theft
00:43:26 – Break: French, San Pedro, & Gubin
00:45:03 – Neighbourhood Tilley Award
00:55:08 – POP Pushback
01:09:36 – What if? POP Czar
01:15:30 – Problem Oriented Policing…or Partnerships?
01:19:47 – Advise
01:27:30 – Words to the World