ISP Officer of the Year, Special Agent Matthew R. Poulter

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Special Agent Matthew R. Poulter, assigned to Zone 4 of the Division of Criminal Investigation, embodies the tenets of the Illinois State Police – Integrity, Service, and Pride.  His motivation to serve the citizens of western Illinois is evident by his exemplary performance, particularly in Violent Crime Investigations.  In 2018, Special Agent Poulter served as the lead case agent in two particularly brutal homicides in western Illinois, and through his efforts, the entire investigative team was able to bring a sense of closure to the victims’ families.

Rex Mynatt was an 87 year-old Korean War Veteran who was discovered shot to death in his residence in rural Henderson County.  Special Agent Poulter was one of the first Agents on the scene.  Over the course of the next 10 months, Special Agent Poulter executed 19 search warrants, recovered hundreds of dollars of stolen property, and coordinated a search of the Mississippi River, recovering three firearms, including the murder weapon.  Three of the defendants later pled guilty to murder based solely on the strength of the investigation. 

Madison Finch was a 19 year-old college freshman home for Christmas break.  She was hosting a New Year’s Eve party in her hometown of LaHarpe, Illinois.  During an apparent fight at the party, Finch was shot in the back of the head and killed.  The unknown juvenile suspect fled the scene, but was later located and positively identified as the killer.  Special Agent Poulter was a key leader of the investigation, coordinating over 90 interviews and six search warrants.  He compiled multiple reports from outside agencies to present an extremely strong case against the defendant.  Due to the extensive investigative efforts led by Special Agent Poulter, the defendant pled guilty to murder and home invasion and was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment. 

Special Agent Poulter also serves as an Adjunct Faculty Member at Western Illinois University in Macomb, providing instruction on Criminal Investigations and Crime Scene Investigation.  Special Agent Poulter was instrumental in the administration of the Mock Crime Scene Investigation competition at Western Illinois University for several years.  His willingness to teach and mentor the future members of law enforcement is indicative of his commitment to improving law enforcement, and his sense of public service.  Special Agent Poulter’s dedication to duty and professionalism are commendable.  Special Agent Poulter’s supervisors have received compliments on his abilities from State’s Attorneys, Sheriffs, Chiefs and other supervisors of the Illinois State Police. 

The Illinois State Police is proud to have Special Agent Poulter among its ranks.  Special Agent Poulter serves with distinction each day, and it is an honor to select him as the 2018 Officer of the Year.  Thank you for your outstanding contributions to the Illinois State Police

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