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.
Content referencing Edward A. Flynn - Page 2
Sparks Fly Over Hamilton Settlement
Council approves $2.3 million settlement, but black aldermen debate Donovan.
May 31st, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Should Cops Do More High Speed Chases?
Common Council says yes. Chief Flynn says no. Who’s right?
May 26th, 2017 by Bruce Murphy
Still Questions on Claybrook’s Death
Suspect killed by hail of bullets from police. But was this necessary?
May 12th, 2017 by Jabril Faraj
A Protest for Pedestrians
They demand more tickets for drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians.
Apr 28th, 2017 by Graham Kilmer
Hidden Loaded Guns And No Training
Republican bill to end permits and training for concealed carry is dangerous.
Apr 4th, 2017 by Bruce Murphy
Speeding Is Out of Control
City has big problem. More cops, cameras, traffic citations needed.
Mar 2nd, 2017 by Ald. Mark Borkowski
ACLU Suit Challenges Milwaukee Police
Charges key technique, “tens of thousands" of police stops, is unconstitutional.
Feb 26th, 2017 by Jabril Faraj
“Day Without Immigrants, Refugees” Planned
Local immigrants, advocates ramping up opposition to Trump executive orders.
Feb 11th, 2017 by Jabril Faraj
Public’s Trust Abused on Police Videos
Flynn, Barrett gave misleading statements on Sylville Smith video, yet it still hasn’t been released.
Dec 29th, 2016 by Bill Lueders
Mixed Reactions to Charges in Sylville Smith’s Killing
DA charges officer Heaggan-Brown. Family and community demand video's release.
Dec 16th, 2016 by Jabril Faraj
The Council’s Battle Over Police
Donovan and several aldermen demand more, Hamilton slaps them down. Who’s right?
Nov 22nd, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
More Police Is Not the Answer
Better trained police — and spending on services for under-served neighborhoods — is a better approach.
Nov 1st, 2016 by Common Ground's Black Caucus
Sylville Smith’s Killer Charged With Sex Assault
Officer Dominique Heaggan-Brown's fatal shooting of Smith had set off near-riot in city.
Oct 20th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
Mexico Opens 50th US Consulate Here
A big turnout of American and Mexican politicians with "Trumpism" in the air.
Aug 31st, 2016 by Michael Horne
Legislature Resists Background Checks for Guns
18 states require them, 85% of state residents support them, but Walker, GOP resist.
Aug 28th, 2016 by Alexandra Arriaga
Police Outreach to Teens a Failure
Violence over weekend dramatizes issue. School board called for changes in outreach program.
Aug 15th, 2016 by Terry Falk
The Plight of Milwaukee’s War Children
Inner city violence creates a war zone for children. We need a solution.
Jul 25th, 2016 by The Shellow Group
Radio Ad Blasts John Chisholm
Secretive group blames DA for carjackings, lauds his opponent Verona Swanigan.
Jul 20th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
“Do something about guns,” Flynn Pleads
Flynn calls for gun control at Obama's national town hall, demands action from legislature.
Jul 15th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
10 Lessons After Dallas
How can Milwaukee and the nation assure that black lives and blue lives matter?
Jul 12th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
The World According to Janel Brandtjen
Republican lawmaker is angry about crime in the city. Here’s how she could help.
Jun 10th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
Murder in Milwaukee
What do the statistics tell us about homicides and why they happen?
Jun 9th, 2016 by Bruce Thompson
Aldermen Unveil Anti-Violence Initiative
Hamilton and 11 other aldermen call for “holistic approach” to gun violence.
Jun 8th, 2016 by Jabril Faraj
Building a Safer Milwaukee
Crime is a big issue for Millennials, who may have tough questions for Barrett and Flynn.
Apr 21st, 2016 by YP Week
Crime Rate Like “a Third World Country”
Officials at Greater Milwaukee Committee call for solutions to homicides, juvenile crime.
Apr 12th, 2016 by Dylan Deprey and Michael Horne
Youth Tell DOJ About Police Abuse
Department of Justice listening sessions here suggest Milwaukee has problems.
Mar 10th, 2016 by Jimmy Gutierrez
Where City’s Crime is Rising
The biggest hike is in Ald. Donovan’s district. No wonder that’s his major issue.
Feb 18th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
Critics Demand Federal Probe of Police Department
Huge turnout at listening session, many call for civil rights investigation of MPD's "patterns and practices."
Jan 30th, 2016 by Jabril Faraj
What Has Mayor Barrett Accomplished?
After nearly 12 years in office, his impact can be seen -- if you look hard.
Jan 14th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
Nate Hamilton Still Fighting for Justice
Brother of Dontre Hamilton, who was killed by a cop, has created the Coalition for Justice.
Jan 12th, 2016 by Samama Mahmud
Street Food Tapas for Brady Street
And a new pie place for 55th and North. Both places sound yummy.
Dec 23rd, 2015 by Jack Fennimore
“The NRA’s Vision for America is Anarchy.”
Chief Flynn say legislature’s “insane” concealed carry law causes crime and threatens police safety.
Dec 8th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
All Hail Our Business Improvement Districts
City party celebrates work of 35 BIDs, which have helped improve many city neighborhoods.
Dec 7th, 2015 by Michael Horne
Does Milwaukee Need More Police?
Mayoral candidate Bob Donovan thinks so. How does this city compare to others?
Nov 24th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Donovan Wants Fewer Police “Chiefs”
And "more Indians." Alderman and mayoral candidate proposes to redo police staffing to cut higher-ups.
Oct 29th, 2015 by Michael Horne
MaryNell Regan on the Hot Seat
New head of embattled Fire & Police Commission wants to allow more community input into its decisions.
Oct 14th, 2015 by Laura Thompson
Walker’s Post-Campaign “To Do” List
Back from his failed presidential campaign, what are his policy priorities for the state?
Sep 28th, 2015 by Steven Walters
Chief Flynn Calls for Tougher Gun Laws
Bashes concealed carry law, says carrying illegal firearm should be a felony.
Sep 10th, 2015 by Jabril Faraj
Safe Zones Need More Police Cooperation?
Ald. Hamilton, community, police disagree on how to make project work.
Sep 4th, 2015 by Jabril Faraj
Milwaukee Municipal Court Under Fire
It imprisons debtors and seems bloated with staff. Will city demand changes?
Aug 18th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Police Ambassadors Serve Community
MPD ambassadors provide bridge between officers and community.
Aug 14th, 2015 by Devi Shastri
The Disappearance of Dan Bice
The state’s top political reporter has disappeared. Is the Journal Sentinel killing his column?
May 14th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
$1 Million Plan to Upgrade Near West Side
Milwaukee Police, Marquette University and Harley-Davidson involved in project to redevelop area and cut crime.
Apr 19th, 2015 by Brendan O’Brien
Crowd Celebrates City Birthday Party
Politicians, PR people and other notables schmoozed away. The best rumor was that Chief Flynn might be retiring.
Feb 2nd, 2015 by Michael Horne
Does “Broken Windows” Theory Hurt Milwaukee?
Police Chief Ed Flynn is one of the foremost practitioners of aggressive policing getting national criticism.
Jan 29th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Chisholm Decision Triggers Controversy
DA decides not to charge officer who killed mentally ill man, leaving community divided over issue.
Dec 22nd, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
America’s Newest Hero, David Clarke
He’s in the news everywhere and conservatives are falling all over themselves in adulation.
Dec 9th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Neighborhood Groups Who Target Crime
Three community groups win awards for working with police on crime prevention.
Nov 13th, 2014 by Matthew Wisla
The Ed Flynn Factor
Politico Magazine concludes Milwaukee is an innovator in policing. Why? Chief Flynn’s leadership.
Nov 12th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
City Residents Welcome ShotSpotter
Milwaukee Police program uses 110 sensors in 11-square mile area to detect gunfire and fight crime. Residents are seeing the impact.
Nov 11th, 2014 by Molly Rippinger
Cops in Shootings Should Be Promptly Named
Police Chief Flynn waited more than five months to identify officer who shot Dontre Hamilton. The public deserves better.
Nov 5th, 2014 by Christa Westerberg
Another Newspaper Attack on Chief Flynn
Has the Journal Sentinel renewed its war against the police chief or was its Sunday story simply botched reporting?
Sep 30th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Bill Would Require Body Camera on Police
Ald. Milele Coggs will introduce legislation requiring Milwaukee Police Department to buy and use body cameras.
Sep 3rd, 2014 by Matthew Wisla
Could Milwaukee Be the Next Ferguson?
Five reasons why it won't -- and seven reasons why it might be next.
Sep 1st, 2014 by Keith Stanley
“We Have Criminals Shooting Criminals!”
And bystanders getting shot. Chief Flynn calls on legislators to get tougher on felons with guns.
Jun 26th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Gun Bill Dies Without Shots Being Fired
Despite overwhelming support for bill toughening penalties for felony firearms offenses, Alberta Darling and Republicans give up on it.
Jun 25th, 2014 by Bill Lueders
Gun Bills Fail, Shots Fly
Chief Flynn implores legislature to pass bill targeting illegal gun possession. Will Republicans respond?
Jun 4th, 2014 by Bill Lueders
Washington Park Residents Face Prostitution Problem
Neighbors meet with police, seeking solutions to prostitution and drug trafficking.
Apr 28th, 2014 by Karen Stokes
Why the Huge Support for Shot Spotters?
Legislature votes 132-1 to expand Milwaukee program monitoring gunshots.
Apr 7th, 2014 by Steven Walters
Zamarripa Proposal Would Help Undocumented Residents
Milwaukee legislator's bill would allow them to get drivers licenses, attend state colleges.
Feb 12th, 2014 by Edgar Mendez
Owner of Strad Violin Tips Her Identity
The violin's owner was at the scene of the crime and signed her first name to a message published by Frank Almond.
Feb 6th, 2014 by Michael Horne
Huge Turnout for City Birthday Party
Lots of politicians, journalists, lobbyists and others glad-handed each other and drank free beer to salute the city's 168th birthday.
Jan 31st, 2014 by Michael Horne
Crystal Ball for 2014
25 predictions that are certain (well, maybe) to come true this year.
Jan 3rd, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Police Scam Artists
Why does the cop’s union protect officers who rip off taxpayers?
Nov 12th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Milwaukee’s Most Underestimated Leader?
MPS superintendent Gregory Thornton has quietly righted a ship that once looked ready to sink.
Nov 5th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
How to Nab Bad Guys
ShotSpotter has become a key tool for city police, but Walker says no to funding and Abele says yes.
Oct 10th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
The End of Suburbs?
So argues a new book. And former Milwaukee Mayor John Norquist agrees. Are they right?
Sep 25th, 2013 by Terry Falk
Send in the Cops?
Ald. Donovan wants more cops in MPS, Chief Flynn wants a different approach. Who’s right?
Sep 5th, 2013 by Terry Falk
Republicans Back Anti-Gun Bill
Mandatory three-year term for illegal gun possession has support of Flynn and Barrett. But will it pass?
Aug 28th, 2013 by Bill Lueders
Is Milwaukee the Next Detroit?
Analyzing this city’s key strengths and weaknesses.
Jul 23rd, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
The Decline of Sheriff Clarke
The weirder and crankier he gets, the more unlikely his reelection.
Jun 18th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Making Neighborhood Connections
How a community liaison officer gets neighbors involved in combating crime.
Jun 4th, 2013 by Mark Doremus
How Police Reach Out to Youth
The STOP program connects police and youth to help gain their cooperation with cops.
May 28th, 2013 by Mark Doremus
Many Youth Feel Harassed
Black youths in the inner city sound off about police patrols. Part IV of a continuing series.
May 8th, 2013 by Mark Doremus
The New Czar of Community Safety
A partnership between the Milwaukee Police and a community organization will pay for a new leader to work on collaborative solutions to crime.
Apr 30th, 2013 by Brendan O’Brien
Nabbing a Violator
A squad car patrols a high crime neighborhood and turns up a violator. How it works. Part III of a series.
Apr 10th, 2013 by Mark Doremus
How a Cop Can Win Over Residents
Jesus Gloria, a bilingual, award-winning police officer, has forged connections in his south side district.
Apr 5th, 2013 by Edgar Mendez
Studying the Crime Data
The police chief meets weekly with top brass to review crime stats and seek improvements. Part II of a series.
Mar 27th, 2013 by Mark Doremus
The Milwaukee Police In Action
A ride-along shows how a traffic stop leads to a drug bust. Part I of a series.
Mar 19th, 2013 by Mark Doremus
Every Politician in Town
Well, not quite, but the City's Birthday Party had a big turnout of politicians and insiders.
Feb 5th, 2013 by Michael Horne
Hines Would Reduce Fire & Police Commission Power
Council appears to back radical change, Barrett seems lukewarm.
Jan 29th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
The Incomplete Story
How the Journal Sentinel slants the story on venture capital -- and on downsizing the county board.
Jan 24th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Biggest Taxer in Town
Over the last five years property taxes have been driven by just one of the five local taxing units: Milwaukee Public Schools.
Jan 15th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Maybe Reform Isn’t Needed
A 2006 report resulted in a restructured Fire & Police Commission. Just what changes are left to make?
Dec 17th, 2012 by Mark Doremus
The Incredible Flip-Flop
Did the Fire & Police Commission bend to mob mentality or act as a responsible policy maker?
Dec 12th, 2012 by Mark Doremus
Mayor Backs Flynn, Slams Newspaper
Journal Sentinel’s series on data errors “takes crime fighting officers off the street,” Barrett charges.
Dec 6th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Journal Sentinel’s Circulation Problem
The statistics point to underlying problems. Meanwhile, some stories are undermining the brand.
Nov 19th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Deaths in Custody Decline Under Flynn
Journal Sentinel story criticizing department doesn’t report data showing decline.
Nov 12th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Sykes’ Suspicious Smokescreen
Charlie Sykes uses anonymous interview to claim the “family” putting up voter fraud billboards fears for its safety.
Oct 23rd, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Is Chief Flynn Off the Hook?
The federal investigation could cool calls for Flynn's resignation.
Oct 14th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
The public is “understandably horrified.”
Chief Flynn frankly discusses the death of Derek Williams in police custody.
Oct 9th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Should Chief Flynn Resign?
The city is divided over the chief. But is it all his fault?
Oct 5th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Capital Sex Scandal
Strange but true: Star member of Gov. Walker’s cabinet is accused of an affair that led to attempted murder.
Sep 12th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Abele Under Fire
Has the Johnny Thomas situation poisoned relations between the county exec and county board?
Aug 29th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
City Defies Journal Sentinel
Fire & Police Commission will hire consultant the newspaper repeatedly claims is biased.
Aug 27th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
The Journal Sentinel’s Attack Dog
Two stories this week continue its relentlessly biased coverage of Chief Flynn and the police department.
Aug 22nd, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
“Indignant” Police Chief Defends Department’s Integrity
Chief Flynn provides data that calls into question the Journal Sentinel’s reporting.
Jun 21st, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Will Allen Goes Viral
From ABC News to Colbert, everybody is celebrating Will Allen.
Jun 20th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
The War Against Chief Flynn
Why is the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel trashing the city’s best police chief in decades?
Jun 18th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
Free Bus Rides, Moneyball and Renderings, Crime on Buses Way Down, and More
Welcome to the fourth installment of Eyes on Milwaukee. This week we take a look at free bus rides for St. Patrick's Day, the idea of applying Moneyball principles to project renderings, how Police Chief Flynn has apparently managed to cut in half the service calls originated from MCTS buses, the notion of a new union for UWM, and more.
Mar 14th, 2012 by Jeramey Jannene
