Matthew Schwartz
Manatee County Sheriff's Office
Bradenton,FL
1
Certification
16
years of professional experience
Former law enforcement professional with 15+ years of experience in multi-jurisdictional investigations, intelligence gathering, undercover operations, and complex threat analysis. Transitioning into IT and cybersecurity with the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate and coursework in networks, Linux/SQL, threat detection, and Python automation. Proven track record collaborating with FBI, ATF, HSI, and DEA on drug and weapons trafficking, wiretaps, and multistate/international cases. Strong documentation, incident-response mindset, source handling, and calm judgment under pressure. Preparing for CompTIA Security+. U.S. Citizen; eligible for TS/SCI based on background investigation history.
Work History
Law Enforcement Officer
15 Years 2 Months- Served in Intelligence Unit, analyzing data and supporting investigations.
- Led and supported long-term, multi-jurisdictional investigations with FBI, ATF, HSI, and DEA; lead detective on the largest drug seizure in Manatee County (~$2M in drugs, multiple firearms).
- Conducted intelligence gathering, surveillance, and documentation supporting investigations of violent offenders and transnational criminal organizations.
- Correlated multi-source data (human intelligence, surveillance, open-source) to identify patterns, associate networks, and operational indicators; prepared analytical products for investigative teams.
- Managed confidential informants and source handling while maintaining evidence-handling and chain-of-custody standards transferable to incident analysis and log review.
- Provided operational intelligence and reach-back analysis within the Intelligence Unit to inform tactical decisions and case development.
- Worked undercover on narcotics and firearms deals and extensive surveillance operations; supported wiretaps and multistate/international investigations.
- Member of Hostage/Crisis Negotiation Team with multiple successful outcomes; FAA Remote Pilot with 50+ drone missions (surveillance, search and rescue, SWAT support).
- Operated drones as FAA-certified pilot for various operational missions.
- Special Investigation Unit
- Tactical Drug Unit
- Patrol
- Managed confidential informants and handled sources while maintaining evidence-handling and chain-of-custody standards.
- Provided operational intelligence and analysis within the Intelligence Unit to enhance tactical decisions and support case development.
- Front Desk / Report Taking
- FAA-certified drone pilot
- Participated in Hostage/Crisis Negotiation Team with multiple successful outcomes; served as FAA Remote Pilot for 50+ drone missions (surveillance, search and rescue, SWAT support).
- Supervised teams of 5-10, achieving among the division’s highest case initiation and closure rates as lead; enhanced training programs and utilized Excel and AI tools for greater accuracy.
- Awards: Deputy of the Month (2x), Deputy of the Year, Congressional Citation, Congressional Life Saving Award.
Youth Counselor
7 Months- Developed youth programs to enhance personal development and social skills; facilitated group discussions addressing personal challenges and conflict resolution strategies.
- Monitored participant safety while collaborating with parents/guardians to support individual progress and address specific needs.
- Facilitated youth development programs, enhancing social skills and emotional resilience.
- Led group activities promoting teamwork, communication, and problem-solving among participants.
- Developed individualized support plans addressing unique needs of at-risk youth.
Education
Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate
Courses: Foundations of Cybersecurity; Manage Security Risks; Networks & Network Security; Linux & SQL; Assets, Threats & Vulnerabilities; Detection & Response; Automate Cybersecurity Tasks with Python.
Law Enforcement Certificate
- Marketing
Coursework in Marketing
- Criminal Justice
Coursework in Criminal Justice
Skills
Intelligence & Investigations: Intelligence fusion
Threat identification
OSINT
Surveillance
Source/CI handling
Intelligence product development
Undercover operations
Interviewing
Narcotics & firearms investigations
Operational planning
Wiretap support
Multi-agency coordination
Cybersecurity & Technical: Cybersecurity fundamentals
Risk management
Detection & response
Vulnerability assessment
SIEM concepts
Alert triage
Log analysis
Incident handling
Endpoint/EDR monitoring
Firewall log review
Networking & network security
Linux & SQL
Python scripting
Wireshark
Digital forensics basics
Information security
Leadership & Professional: Field training & mentorship
Crisis/hostage negotiation
Narrative & written reporting
Critical thinking under pressure
Team leadership (5-10 staff)
Time management
Attention to detail
Microsoft Excel
AI-assisted workflow improvement
Accomplishments
- Lead detective, largest Manatee County drug seizure (~$2M narcotics, multiple firearms) with federal partners.
- Deputy of the Month (twice), Deputy of the Year, Congressional Citation, and Congressional Life Saving Award.
- Certified FTO for Special Investigation Drug Unit; developed and modernized training materials for new detectives.
- 50+ FAA drone missions supporting surveillance, SAR, and SWAT; successful multi-incident crisis negotiations.
- Completed full Google Cybersecurity certificate path with hands-on Linux, SQL, and Python labs; ongoing Security+ prep and threat research.
Certification
- Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate (Coursera)
- FAA Remote Pilot (Part 107)
- Preparing for CompTIA Security+
- Manatee County Sheriff's Office / related training: Field Training Program; General Instructor Certification; Hostage Negotiation Level 1; Crisis Intervention; Advanced Narcotics Investigation; Dangerous Drugs; FAA Drug Investigation; Narcotics Undercover; Speed Measurement; Florida Narcotic Association courses
Additional Information
- U.S. Citizen
- Eligible for TS/SCI clearance based on background investigation history
- References available upon request
Timeline
Law Enforcement Officer
Manatee County Sheriff's Office
12.2010 - 02.2026Read More
Youth Counselor
YMCA of South Florida
05.2010 - 12.2010Read More
Keiser University
from Criminal Justice
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Hofstra University
from Marketing
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Manatee Technical College
Law Enforcement Certificate
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Coursera
Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate
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