June 23 Speaker: Forensic Expert Michael Medler to Discuss "Real" Forensics for Writers

"Real Life CSI"

Saturday, June 23, 2018
12:30 p.m.- 1:30 p.m. 
Barnes & Noble, 8675 River Crossing Blvd
(next to Keystone at the Crossing)
GUESTS INVITED

Speaker:  Michael Medler
Retired Director, Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency and Indiana State Police Officer


Mike Medler, recently retired Indianapolis-Marion County Forensics Services Agency director, long-time Indiana State Police officer, and forensic expert — will discuss one of his most riveting murder investigations, one that tested even his expertise with the principles of forensic sciences. Presented as a “who dunnit,” Mike’s program promises to confound even the keenest, most twisted imaginations among the Speed City Sisters in Crime members. Prepare to squirm.
As Mike describes the case … in early 1979, along a remote county road in rural Wells County, a farmer discovered the nude and disfigured body of a female. The nearest farm residence was over two miles away, and the fields surrounding the body were yet to be planted with corn and soybeans for the summer. The Wells County Sheriff’s Department and the coroner called in the Indiana State Police to work the crime scene, as well as attend the body’s post-mortem examination. Forensics broke this case open, but a local optometrist played a key role, too. ... More to come!

Mike Medler began his law enforcement career in 1976 as an Indiana State Police Trooper. Over the next 29 years — rising from trooper, to first sergeant, to lieutenant, to major, to lieutenant colonel — he: 
Worked as a crime scene technician
Became one of the state’s first officers trained in bloodstain analysis and reconstruction and frequently was called to court to testify as an expert witness
Trained as an expert fingerprint examiner
Managed the ISP’s satellite regional laboratories and their field support sections
Was responsible for the ISP’s training and personnel division
Took charge of the Indiana State Police Training Academy
Was instrumental in the expansion of the new Indiana Forensic and Health Sciences laboratory in Indianapolis
Led additional improvements of the facilities and staffing within the laboratory system
Developed “7-Step Crime Scene Protocol” for management of the Crime Scenes
Led the development of Indiana State Police’s first “random drug testing” program.
Headed the Bureau of Criminal Investigations, including criminal investigations, gaming and the laboratory division.
And served as adjunct faculty at I.U.-Kokomo, IUPUI, and University of Indianapolis.

In 2005, he retired from the Indiana State Police and was appointed laboratory director for the Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency. He retired in February after serving more than 12 years.

Mike earned his BA in political science/pre-law from Wabash College, simultaneously attended the University of Virginia and the FBI National Academy, and completed numerous forensic, investigative and management/leadership programs. His professional memberships include: American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors, Board of Visitors in the Investigative and Forensic Sciences program at IUPUI, Advisory Board at Harrison College, and Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team for Marion County. He also is a past board member of the Domestic Violence Network in Indianapolis.