By: Travis Hutton
Matthew Brodacki is a highly accomplished cybersecurity leader and law enforcement professional based in Fairfield County, Connecticut. As the Captain of the Regional Technical Investigations Unit (TIU) for Southwestern Connecticut, he oversees a team managing over 500 cyber cases each year. With a unique background that spans both public and private sectors, Matthew has consulted for major healthcare organizations, helped establish a pioneering cybercrime lab, and played a key role as a first responder during the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy. His expertise is underscored by dual master’s degrees in Public Administration and Digital Forensics, and he is also federally deputized through his work with the United States Secret Service. Outside of his professional accomplishments, Matthew is deeply committed to community service. His work with the NAACP task force for Fairfield County and the Sandy Hook Playground Initiative has earned him a reputation for leadership that extends beyond his professional life. He also serves on the board of the Rowan Center, helping victims of sexual assault navigate their recovery of sex assault victims.
Recently The Rowan Center has opened a trauma center that accepts husky. In short if a person financially struggling can now attain services completely free and start the long road of recovery.
How has your experience in both public service and the private sector shaped your leadership approach?
My experience across both sectors has been instrumental in shaping how I lead. In law enforcement, especially within cybersecurity, the stakes are incredibly high, and the margin for error is razor-thin. You’re constantly balancing reactive crisis management with proactive strategies. In the private sector, especially when consulting for healthcare entities, I learned the importance of communication, planning, and efficiency in environments where business continuity is key. Each sector has taught me different lessons: law enforcement keeps you mission-driven and agile under pressure, while the private sector has a strong focus on risk management and foresight. Combining these approaches, I lead my team with a mindset that balances rapid response with long-term strategy. We need to solve today’s problems while preparing for tomorrow’s.
You’ve been at the forefront of cybersecurity, overseeing over 500 cases annually. What makes a successful cybersecurity strategy in such a fast-changing landscape?
Adaptability and continuous learning are critical. Cybersecurity is one of those fields where today’s best practices might be outdated tomorrow. To stay ahead, our strategies must be proactive, not just reactive. We’re constantly analyzing the latest threat trends, integrating AI, and refining our response protocols. But beyond the technology, success in cybersecurity also requires building a culture of vigilance. Everyone on the team must understand that cybersecurity isn’t a “set it and forget it” field; it’s a daily commitment to staying one step ahead of the threats. I also believe in cross-collaboration between sectors—cyber threats don’t respect boundaries, so we have to work with private companies, law enforcement agencies, and even international partners to protect our communities.
Your work with the NAACP task force for Fairfield County stands out. How has this involvement impacted your professional life?
It has profoundly shaped how I view leadership and community engagement. Being part of the NAACP task force since 2019, working alongside Brenda Penn Williams and recruiting minority officers, has given me a broader perspective on how law enforcement can be more inclusive and representative of the communities we serve. Diversity in our ranks not only strengthens the department internally but also builds trust externally. This work has made me more intentional about mentorship and recruitment. I believe our police forces should reflect the diversity of the neighborhoods we protect. It’s personal for me, too—working with people like Otis Jemal Baskins, a high school friend who’s now a Lieutenant in Naugatuck, CT, shows the importance of sustained mentorship and creating paths for others to rise through the ranks.
You were a Family Liaison Officer during the Sandy Hook tragedy. How did that experience shape your approach to leadership and resilience?
The Sandy Hook tragedy is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Serving as a Family Liaison Officer during such a horrific event taught me the importance of empathy, patience, and resilience. In those moments, it wasn’t about titles or ranks—it was about human connection and providing support to families who were experiencing unimaginable loss. That experience made me realize how vital emotional intelligence is in leadership. No matter how stressful or chaotic a situation gets, you have to remain calm and focused on the people you’re serving. In my leadership role now, I bring that same approach. Whether I’m managing a complex cyber case or supporting my team through a tough investigation, I always keep in mind that we’re here to serve and protect—and that requires a combination of emotional strength and technical skill.
The cybercrime lab you helped build is now seen as a national model. What was the key to making it so successful?
Collaboration and foresight were key. When we set out to create the cybercrime lab, it was clear that we were dealing with a growing backlog of cases, which was delaying justice for victims and affecting businesses. We needed a solution that not only addressed the current demand but could scale as threats evolved. Our cyber team came together with the State’s Attorney’s office and local Police Chiefs, we designed the lab to be both efficient and future-proof. But the real success came from leveraging partnerships, especially with the United States Secret Service. Their expertise and resources were crucial in making this a national model. It’s been extremely gratifying to see the lab’s success and to know that it’s being replicated across the country.
What keeps you motivated to continuously learn in such a dynamic field as cybersecurity and law enforcement?
I’ve always believed that the day you stop learning is the day you stop being effective. Cybersecurity, in particular, is constantly evolving, and the threats we face today won’t look the same tomorrow. That’s why I prioritize continuous learning—not just for myself but for my entire team. Whether it’s attending workshops, completing certification programs, or simply staying up to date on the latest industry research, we have to keep evolving. Personally, it’s also about curiosity. I’m always looking for ways to improve how we respond to threats or how we engage with the community. When you’re committed to learning, you’re able to stay adaptable, resilient, and prepared for whatever comes next.
What advice would you give to younger professionals entering law enforcement or cybersecurity?
The best advice I can give is to be relentless in your pursuit of knowledge and to never underestimate the value of relationships. Whether you’re solving a cybercrime or working in community relations, it’s your ability to connect with people and continually learn that will define your success. In cybersecurity, especially, the tools and techniques you rely on today may be obsolete in a few years. You have to keep learning and adapting. Also, don’t be afraid to take risks or fail. Early in my career, I was hesitant to take on challenges that seemed too big, but I’ve learned that the greatest growth happens when you push yourself beyond your comfort zone.
What’s next for you in terms of community involvement and professional development?
I plan to continue my work with the NAACP and my commitment to building pathways for underrepresented groups in law enforcement. I’m also excited about expanding the capabilities of the cybercrime lab to tackle emerging threats like AI-driven cyberattacks and deepfake technologies. On the professional development side, I’m looking into AI integration in cybersecurity, and I’m exploring how we can leverage AI to better predict and respond to threats before they materialize. It’s an exciting time to be in this field, and I’m eager to continue leading initiatives that have a meaningful impact both locally and nationally.
I recently gave a talk at the National Cyber Crime Conference on the topic of emerging technology, AI demo, and testified before the house on behalf of victims.
Law Makers tend to be responsive in nature, and it’s important to support children who may not be able to advocate for themselves.
Published by: Khy Talara
