Matthews is especially proud that his work bridged political divides, enabling him to contribute to major crime-fighting and community-building initiatives across four presidential administrations. To date, he has contributed to numerous local, state, federal, and tribal law enforcement projects addressing terrorism, reducing crime, improving officer safety, and advancing community policing efforts. Matthews has been involved in initiatives such as the DOJ Officer Safety Working Group, the National Officer Suicide Prevention Initiative, and served as Executive Director for Law Enforcement Initiatives at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. He’s authored seven books and gained a reputation as an authority on school safety, mass shooters, and serial killers. John’s “just the facts” approach and in-depth knowledge of criminal behavior made him a sought-out expert commentator for CNN and FOX News. He recalls that during his first meeting with President Obama, the President remarked on having followed Matthews’s honest and straightforward commentary for some time.

In addition to his law enforcement career, Matthews has long pursued a passion for winemaking, producing small batches of wine for family and friends.  In 2015, Cassaro Vineyards was founded in North Texas, named after his Italian-born grandfather, Joseph Cassaro.