Edward A. Flynn is the police chief of the Milwaukee Police Department.

Official City Biography

Edward A. Flynn was appointed police chief in the Milwaukee Police Department in January 2008. In January 2012, he was appointed to a second term. He commands an agency of 2,000 sworn officers and 700 civilians serving a city of over 600,000 residents.

He was police commissioner in Springfield, Massachusetts from 2006 to 2008. As the police chief executive he was responsible for 470 officers and 100 civilians serving a city of 155,000 residents.

Flynn served as Secretary of Public Safety under Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney from January 2003 until taking command in Springfield. He was responsible for a secretariat employing 10,000 that included the Massachusetts State Police, the Department of Correction, the National Guard, the Department of Fire Services, the Parole Board, and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency. He also served as the chief adviser to the Governor on homeland security.

Prior to his appointment as Secretary of Public Safety, he served for five years as the Chief of Police in Arlington, Virginia. He commanded a 360-officer department serving 190,000 residents. In this capacity he was instrumental in the recovery effort at the Pentagon after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack.

His began his career in the Jersey City Police Department, where he was promoted through the ranks of officer, sergeant, lieutenant, captain and inspector. He served as the Chief of Police in Braintree and subsequently Chelsea, Massachusetts.

Flynn is a member of the Board of Directors of the Police Executive Research Forum, serves on the Executive Committee of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, is on the Board of Directors for the Council of State Governments Justice Center, and serves on the Fight Crime Invest in Kids executive board. He is a past recipient of the prestigious Gary Hayes Memorial Award for Police Leadership from PERF. He is currently serving on scientific review panels on technology for the National Institute of Justice.

He holds a B.A. in history from LaSalle University in Philadelphia, a Masters degree in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York and completed all course work in the Ph.D. program in criminal justice from the City University in New York. Chief Flynn is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the National Executive Institute and was a National Institute of Justice Pickett Fellow at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.

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Fire Chief in Line For Huge Pay Increase Due to ‘Mistake’

Fire Chief in Line For Huge Pay Increase Due to ‘Mistake’

Council decision led to 'enormous' raise for police chief, could benefit fire chief.

Police Chief Jeffrey Norman Given Four-Year Contract Extension

Police Chief Jeffrey Norman Given Four-Year Contract Extension

Chief receives praise, large raise. But who is the city's highest paid employee?

MPD’s New Body Cam Release In Effect, But Advocates Still Have Concerns

MPD’s New Body Cam Release In Effect, But Advocates Still Have Concerns

Police union previously sued to stop policy's implementation.

Murphy’s Law: Does ShotSpotter Reduce Crime?
Murphy’s Law

Does ShotSpotter Reduce Crime?

Milwaukee is one of 150 cities that use it. But is there any hard evidence that it works?

Federal Trial Hears Charge of ‘Unlawful’ Arrest in 2016 by Milwaukee Police

Federal Trial Hears Charge of ‘Unlawful’ Arrest in 2016 by Milwaukee Police

Lawsuit charges ACLU legal observer and (then) state Rep. Brostoff wrongfully arrested.

Traffic Citations in City Down 54% Since 2017

Traffic Citations in City Down 54% Since 2017

Dropping from 71,402 citations issued in 2017 to 33,105 in 2022. Why?

City Hall: MPD Needs To Add 11 Officers Says Staffing Study
City Hall

MPD Needs To Add 11 Officers Says Staffing Study

But police department also needs to create 116 new civilian positions, reallocate officers.

City Hall: City Will Pay $237,480 For New Settlements, Lawsuits
City Hall

City Will Pay $237,480 For New Settlements, Lawsuits

One payout just the tip of the iceberg for incident that's cost taxpayers $518,000.

Dontre Hamilton Memorial Unveiled

Dontre Hamilton Memorial Unveiled

A memorial bench for Black man killed by police officer installed in Red Arrow Park.

City Hall: Former Police Captain Wins $350,000 Settlement
City Hall

Former Police Captain Wins $350,000 Settlement

Andra Williams charges discrimination after being rejected for two manager jobs.

Court Watch: 75% of Home Drug Searches Target Blacks
Court Watch

75% of Home Drug Searches Target Blacks

90% of Milwaukee County searches in 2019 were in the city. Second in a series.

City Hall: City Must Pay Detective Who Assaulted Murder Suspect
City Hall

City Must Pay Detective Who Assaulted Murder Suspect

Rodolfo Gomez was fired, went to prison and now he'll get a check for $335,772.

Morales Named Fitchburg Police Chief

Morales Named Fitchburg Police Chief

Former Milwaukee chief will lead suburban Madison department.

MKE County: Board Approves Dontre Hamilton Memorial
MKE County

Board Approves Dontre Hamilton Memorial

Memorial bench and plaque in Red Arrow Park to honor man killed by a police officer.

Dontre Hamilton Memorial Proposed for Red Arrow Park

Dontre Hamilton Memorial Proposed for Red Arrow Park

A Dontre Hamilton Memorial Bench would be installed in the downtown park.

Inside the Milwaukee Police Fusion Center

Inside the Milwaukee Police Fusion Center

Protesters have wondered what center is up to. The history and details of little-known unit.

City Hall: Council Committee Rejects MPD Request To Be Featured on Crime Show
City Hall

Council Committee Rejects MPD Request To Be Featured on Crime Show

MPD sees it as public relations improvement. Alderman sees it as "trauma porn."

City Hall: DeVougas Resigns From Fire & Police Commission
City Hall

DeVougas Resigns From Fire & Police Commission

Attorney was subject of police video leak that resulted in ethics investigation.

Murphy’s Law: Milwaukee A Leader in CCTV Snooping
Murphy’s Law

Milwaukee A Leader in CCTV Snooping

City has 8 cameras per 1,000 people, more than 28 of 39 large cities studied.

City Hall: Council Overrides Mayoral Veto, Wants Power To Fire Police Chief
City Hall

Council Overrides Mayoral Veto, Wants Power To Fire Police Chief

Council wants Legislature to give it firing power. Mayor's veto of this fails.

City Hall: Barrett Sticks With Ann Wilson for FPC
City Hall

Barrett Sticks With Ann Wilson for FPC

Reappointing her to Fire & Police Commission though she backed its reckless decision to demote Chief Morales.

Jeffrey Norman Will Serve as Acting Police Chief

Jeffrey Norman Will Serve as Acting Police Chief

Once a finalist to be permanent chief, Norman will serve on interim basis.

Op Ed: Before Picking New Chief, Fix Policing
Op Ed

Before Picking New Chief, Fix Policing

Milwaukee’s system of policing has been broken for years. We need to rethink it.

City Hall: Council Wants Control Over Police and Fire Chiefs
City Hall

Council Wants Control Over Police and Fire Chiefs

Seeking changes to state law to give city's elected officials control.

MPD Survey Shows Police Perception Divided Along Racial, Economic Lines

MPD Survey Shows Police Perception Divided Along Racial, Economic Lines

Researcher says key takeaway is for MPD officers to exercise compassion in any interaction.

City Hall: New Commission Seeks Police Reforms
City Hall

New Commission Seeks Police Reforms

Led by Nate Hamilton, Community Collaborative Commission will work with MPD and FPC.

Op Ed: Defund the Drug War
Op Ed

Defund the Drug War

You can’t defund the police without changing what’s driving the military mentality of cops.

Murphy’s Law: Why Defunding Police Is Tough To Sell
Murphy’s Law

Why Defunding Police Is Tough To Sell

Minneapolis politicians are abandoning the idea. What will happen in Milwaukee?

Murphy’s Law: 9 Takeaways on Change of Police Chiefs
Murphy’s Law

9 Takeaways on Change of Police Chiefs

What's the impact of Morales firing, Brunson hiring, and where is the city headed on police?

Police Chief Alfonso Morales Demoted

Police Chief Alfonso Morales Demoted

Accused of unbecoming behavior and lying. Morales' attorney says it's a ploy to distract from problems at commission.

Citizen Group Unhappy with MPD’s Community-Oriented Policing

Citizen Group Unhappy with MPD’s Community-Oriented Policing

Community Collaborative Commission says MPD's latest report falls short of recommendations.

Here Are Chief Morales’ Marching Orders

Here Are Chief Morales’ Marching Orders

Read all 11 directives, ranging from a COVID-19 mask policy to attending every commission meeting.

City Hall: FPC Gives Morales 11 Directives, Threatens Firing For Non-Compliance
City Hall

FPC Gives Morales 11 Directives, Threatens Firing For Non-Compliance

Move comes as part of six month review of Morales' performance.

City Hall: Ethics Board Launches Probe of FPC Chair
City Hall

Ethics Board Launches Probe of FPC Chair

Steven DeVougas will be investigated for ethical conflicts; his lawyer blasts "political gamesmanship" by police union.

Court Watch: Court Upholds MPD Officers’ Suspensions
Court Watch

Court Upholds MPD Officers’ Suspensions

FPC suspended two Milwaukee cops who swore at and manhandled a man walking in the street.

Murphy’s Law: Chief Morales Looks Bad in FPC Report
Murphy’s Law

Chief Morales Looks Bad in FPC Report

And FPC Chair DeVougas looks even worse. 12 takeaways on what report did and didn't find.

Back in the News: Chief Morales Drops Internal Investigation
Back in the News

Chief Morales Drops Internal Investigation

He promised internal probe of who leaked video to media that embarrassed FPC leader.

Back in the News: Is Chief Morales Doing a Good Job?
Back in the News

Is Chief Morales Doing a Good Job?

Council members ask for citizens' views in preparation for performance review of police chief.

Film About Milwaukee Police Killing Dontre Hamilton is Free this Week

Film About Milwaukee Police Killing Dontre Hamilton is Free this Week

Filmmaker removes fees to watch award-winning documentary.

Back in the News: Barrett, Hamilton Demand Probe of Leaked Police Video
Back in the News

Barrett, Hamilton Demand Probe of Leaked Police Video

Chief Morales says he didn’t leak it; mayor, council leader want investigation, find out who did.

Murphy’s Law: Did Chief Morales Target His FPC Boss?
Murphy’s Law

Did Chief Morales Target His FPC Boss?

Common Council concerned. “Borderline frightening” use of police power, Bauman charges.

City Hall: Chief Morales Reappointed for Four Years
City Hall

Chief Morales Reappointed for Four Years

Commission grants police chief a full term, requires public meeting, reports.

Murphy’s Law: Who Lost the City Residency Rule?
Murphy’s Law

Who Lost the City Residency Rule?

Lena Taylor blames Mayor Barrett. But did she fight the state law killing residency?

Police Chief Touts Successes

Police Chief Touts Successes

City's homicide and non-fatal shootings are down, but chief faces reappointment with rumors swirling that he might not be retained.

2 Police Brutality Settlements Before the City

2 Police Brutality Settlements Before the City

Council could approve $260,000 in settlements Tuesday.

Murphy’s Law: About Those Good Guys With a Gun
Murphy’s Law

About Those Good Guys With a Gun

Cop killer Jordan Fricke is the latest case undermining that theory.

Op Ed: City Should Change Police Pursuit Policy
Op Ed

City Should Change Police Pursuit Policy

940 pursuits in one year? Police should return to using effective GPS technology tracking program.

Murphy’s Law: Are Police Pursuits Out of Control?
Murphy’s Law

Are Police Pursuits Out of Control?

Massive increase in high-speed chases under the new policy. Results are scary.

City Hall: MPD Complying With ACLU Settlement
City Hall

MPD Complying With ACLU Settlement

Changes due to suit alleging Milwaukee Police stop-and-frisk policy used racial profiling.

Murphy’s Law: The Lessons of Baltimore
Murphy’s Law

The Lessons of Baltimore

A city falling apart, its police department dysfunctonal. Can Milwaukee learn from this?

ACLU Attempts to End Stop-And-Frisk Policing

ACLU Attempts to End Stop-And-Frisk Policing

While at the same time, President Trump praises stop-and-frisk policing.

ACLU Justice Tour Targets Racism

ACLU Justice Tour Targets Racism

Mass incarceration and police stop-and-frisk program discussed at weekend event.

Special Report: Police Response Slow For Non-Violent Crimes
Special Report

Police Response Slow For Non-Violent Crimes

MPD response time averages 40 minutes for non-violent crimes, 68 minutes for auto theft.

Special Report: MPD Slow to Respond to Violent Crimes
Special Report

MPD Slow to Respond to Violent Crimes

But response times for all types of calls have dropped an average of 32 minutes since 2015.

Murphy’s Law: Who Now Has Power Over Police Chief?
Murphy’s Law

Who Now Has Power Over Police Chief?

Common Council may regret stripping mayor’s power over Police-Fire director.

City Hall: City’s $3.4 Million Settlement Will Cost More?
City Hall

City’s $3.4 Million Settlement Will Cost More?

IT costs weren't factored into city settlement of ACLU suit, could increase price tag.

Council Backs $3.4 Million to Settle Suit

Council Backs $3.4 Million to Settle Suit

ACLU sued over police “stop and frisk” practices from 2010 to 2017.

City Hall: Should Milwaukee Elect Police Chief?
City Hall

Should Milwaukee Elect Police Chief?

Alderman Rainey's proposal gets discussion, but not much support.

Brown Files Suit Against Milwaukee Police

Brown Files Suit Against Milwaukee Police

Bucks player files federal civil rights suit, claiming wrongful arrest and excessive force.

Data Wonk: Solving Murders in Milwaukee
Data Wonk

Solving Murders in Milwaukee

Milwaukee’s arrest rate in murder cases outpaces that of most other large U.S. cities.

City Hall: Police Reform Needed, Say Council Members
City Hall

Police Reform Needed, Say Council Members

Brown incident proves problem, changes needed, Hamilton, Coggs say at press conference.

City Hall: Mayor, Council Play Musical Chairs
City Hall

Mayor, Council Play Musical Chairs

New appointments open door for Ald. Jim Bohl to leave his elected position for lobbyist job.

City Hall: Stop-and-Frisk Suit Could Cost $6 Million
City Hall

Stop-and-Frisk Suit Could Cost $6 Million

Council members struggle with the rising price tag. Will they approve settlement?

Murphy’s Law: Why Fire-Police Chief Was Axed
Murphy’s Law

Why Fire-Police Chief Was Axed

FPC botched police chief search and nice guy Mayor Barrett decided to get tough.

More Community Policing Needed?

More Community Policing Needed?

Critics say Police Department must be more accountable.

Court Watch: City Seeks Dismissal of Stop & Frisk Suit
Court Watch

City Seeks Dismissal of Stop & Frisk Suit

Says Chief Flynn retired and practice ended.

Murphy’s Law: Flynn’s Hit Job on FPC Director
Murphy’s Law

Flynn’s Hit Job on FPC Director

Evidence now shows he had cops digging for dirt on MaryNell Regan. Why?

ACLU Study Finds Racism By Police

ACLU Study Finds Racism By Police

About half of all traffic and pedestrian stops failed to show "reasonable suspicion.”

Court Watch: Muni Court Traffic Cases Up 30% in 2017
Court Watch

Muni Court Traffic Cases Up 30% in 2017

Numbers reflect change in pursuit policy Chief Flynn agreed to adopt.

Murphy’s Law: The Mystery of Flynn Vs. Regan
Murphy’s Law

The Mystery of Flynn Vs. Regan

Is the police chief or Fire & Police boss guilty of official misconduct?

The Rise of Reckless Driving

The Rise of Reckless Driving

Vehicles speeding, running red lights causing more deaths, hit-and-run accidents.

Finalists for Police Chief Meet the Public

Finalists for Police Chief Meet the Public

Many questions asked, but not the right ones, some attendees complain.

Ed Flynn Looks Back — And Ahead

Ed Flynn Looks Back — And Ahead

The Common Council, he says, was a “little like middle school.”

Murphy’s Law: Mayor Barrett’s Power in Decline?
Murphy’s Law

Mayor Barrett’s Power in Decline?

Council taking more power, mayor taking a beating.

Forum Attendees Demand Local Police Chief

Forum Attendees Demand Local Police Chief

The also call for rebuilding trust between community and police.

Murphy’s Law: Flynn Blasts Police Chief Search
Murphy’s Law

Flynn Blasts Police Chief Search

Two-fold process could hurt department, he says. Other cities don’t do this, experts say.

Community Groups Want Say On Police Chief

Community Groups Want Say On Police Chief

In search for new chief, pushing for a candidate committed to community relations.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Barrett Ousts Bevan Baker Over Lead Fiasco
Eyes on Milwaukee

Barrett Ousts Bevan Baker Over Lead Fiasco

Failure to notify families of lead-poisoned children at issue; aldermen outraged.

Donovan Says City Terrorized by Villains

Donovan Says City Terrorized by Villains

“I am not fabricating, falsifying,” he says, decrying current approaches to crime.

Police Chief Flynn Resigns

Police Chief Flynn Resigns

Nationally known chief who changed Milwaukee department retires at age 69.

Drug-Related Deaths To Hit 420 in 2017

Drug-Related Deaths To Hit 420 in 2017

Police targeting opioid suppliers. City-County Task Force struggles to hold meetings.

Town Hall Meetings Discuss Police Reforms

Town Hall Meetings Discuss Police Reforms

Fire and Police Commission seeks community responses to federal study of Milwaukee Police.

Back in the News: Council Okays Lawyers for Muni Court
Back in the News

Council Okays Lawyers for Muni Court

Will help defendants who can be jailed when they can’t afford to pay fines.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Zielinski Will Run for Mayor
Eyes on Milwaukee

Zielinski Will Run for Mayor

Alderman declares for mayor, two years before the election, and police union endorses him.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Council Overrides Mayor on Firing Flynn
Eyes on Milwaukee

Council Overrides Mayor on Firing Flynn

10-5 vote means city lobbyist must seek state law giving council power to fire chiefs.

Community Groups Want DOJ Police Reforms

Community Groups Want DOJ Police Reforms

Two months after DOJ draft report on MPD released, groups demand recommended changes.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Zielinski Bashes Barrett, Flynn
Eyes on Milwaukee

Zielinski Bashes Barrett, Flynn

And Ald. Borkowski joins in, bashing the budget of "Rip Van Barrett."

Eyes on Milwaukee: How a Great Documentary Was Made
Eyes on Milwaukee

How a Great Documentary Was Made

Milwaukee Film Fest favorite explores the shooting of Dontre Hamilton. How was it made?

Eyes on Milwaukee: Council Votes for Authority to Fire Flynn
Eyes on Milwaukee

Council Votes for Authority to Fire Flynn

Requests state law giving them power to fire police and fire chiefs. Mayor promises a veto.

Murphy’s Law: Will City Reform Municipal Court?
Murphy’s Law

Will City Reform Municipal Court?

Too many judges, indigent defendants treated badly, reform needed.

Murphy’s Law: Flynn Blasts “Incompetent” Report
Murphy’s Law

Flynn Blasts “Incompetent” Report

“We want to talk about reform,” police chief says, not DOJ report’s many errors.

Murphy’s Law: The Hit Job on Chief Flynn
Murphy’s Law

The Hit Job on Chief Flynn

Someone leaks incomplete report to Journal Sentinel, which slams chief with it.

Op Ed: Why FPC Wants More Police Pursuits
Op Ed

Why FPC Wants More Police Pursuits

We seek to work cooperatively with police chief while responding to community concerns.

Op Ed: Barrett Must Overrule FPC Pursuit Order
Op Ed

Barrett Must Overrule FPC Pursuit Order

Fire & Police Commission ignored century of precedent by demanding Flynn alter pursuit policy.

Beyond Sherman Park

Beyond Sherman Park

Community takes stock of central city a year after unrest. Discussion to air on PBS Aug. 10

Eyes on Milwaukee: Council Still Upset with Chief Flynn
Eyes on Milwaukee

Council Still Upset with Chief Flynn

"Damn right hold it again" proclaims alderman Bob Donovan. Council wants more control of chief.

A Call For Proactive Community-based Violence Prevention

A Call For Proactive Community-based Violence Prevention

In 2017, there have been 66 homicides in Milwaukee.

The Mystery of Immigration Controversy

The Mystery of Immigration Controversy

Why the change in police policy, why the lack of “transparency,” why all the furor?

Help Offered for South Side Prostitutes

Help Offered for South Side Prostitutes

Police, county partner with Benedict Center to combat growing prostitution problem.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Council Members Blast Chief Flynn
Eyes on Milwaukee

Council Members Blast Chief Flynn

Demanding more input into Flynn's decision making, they refuse to allocate federal funds.

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