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.
Photos
![Chief Flynn [l]](https://urbanmilwaukee.com/wp-content/gallery/temp/thumbs/thumbs_img_0754.jpg "Chief Flynn [l]")
Content referencing Edward A. Flynn
Congratulations Chief Morales, you’ve earned it
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan December 19, 2019
Dec 19th, 2019 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
To Curb Reckless Drivers, There is No Substitute for Police Officers
No plan can be considered comprehensive that neglects law enforcement
Jul 2nd, 2019 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
In Defense of MPD’s Pursuit Policy
How quickly some seem to forget
Apr 25th, 2019 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Illegal drugs are strangling the life out of our neighborhoods
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - July 19, 2018
Jul 19th, 2018 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Mayor’s firing of the executive director of the Fire and Police Commission most disappointing
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - April 23, 2018
Apr 23rd, 2018 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Fire and Police Commission violates open meetings law, leading to do-over for police chief appointment
News release and meeting agenda from Alderman Terry L. Witkowski
Apr 18th, 2018 by Ald. Terry Witkowski
Watching MPD closely during a critical transition period
Joint Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan, Alderman José G. Pérez and Alderman Mark A. Borkowski - March 19, 2018
Mar 19th, 2018 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Wave of MPD retirements puts public safety at risk, new interim chief in difficult position
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - March 1, 2018
Mar 1st, 2018 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Council members respond to Chief Flynn’s exit tour of local media
Jointly signed response to Chief Flynn's comments from Aldermen Kovac, Perez and Stamper
Feb 12th, 2018 by Milwaukee Common Council
FPC Process for the Selection of the MPD Interim Chief
The person selected in this process will serve on a waiver basis until a permanent Chief is selected for a renewable term of office consistent with City of Milwaukee Code and State Law.
Jan 12th, 2018 by City of Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission
Flynn Departure Creates New Opportunities
"Chief Flynn, your service has been appreciated, but it is time to move on."
Jan 8th, 2018 by State Sen. Lena Taylor
Common Council Statement on Flynn Retirement
Statement from the Common Council - January 8th, 2018
Jan 8th, 2018 by Milwaukee Common Council
There Should Be No Golden Parachute for Chief Flynn
Statement of Alderman Tony Zielinski - January 8, 2018.
Jan 8th, 2018 by Ald. Tony Zielinski
Fire & Police Commission Response to Chief Flynn Retirement Announcement
Flynn will retire, effective February 16th, 2018.
Jan 8th, 2018 by City of Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission
Alderman Murphy and Alderman Pérez encouraged by Chief Flynn and Mayor’s new stance on traffic enforcement policy
Ald. Murphy and Ald. Pérez look forward to further changes being implemented on the roadways to ensure safety.
Dec 21st, 2017 by Ald. Michael Murphy
City leaders and community partners collaborate to prioritize DOJ recommendations
Statement by President Hamilton
Nov 22nd, 2017 by Ald. Ashanti Hamilton
Mayor Barrett tells the Common Council not to politicize the Police Chief position, yet uses him for fundraising
Statement by Alderman Tony Zielinski
Oct 30th, 2017 by Ald. Tony Zielinski
Aldermen Peréz voices disappointment in Mayor Barrett’s veto decision
Statement by Aldermen José Peréz
Oct 18th, 2017 by Common Council President Jose Perez
Alderman Bohl offers condolences to latest accident victim and calls for action
Statement by Alderman James A. Bohl, Jr. - October 5, 2017
Oct 5th, 2017 by Ald. Jim Bohl
Alderman Rainey offers condolences to car crash victim’s families
Statement of Alderman Khalif J. Rainey - October 2, 2017
Oct 2nd, 2017 by Ald. Khalif Rainey
DOJ move could have lasting impact on Milwaukee and city residents
Statement of Alderman Khalif J. Rainey - September 20, 2017
Sep 20th, 2017 by Ald. Khalif Rainey
The Fire & Police Commission Deserves Mayor Barrett’s Support
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - July 28, 2017
Jul 28th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
FPC Directive on MPD pursuit policy appropriate, necessary
News release and related documents from Alderman Michael J. Murphy
Jul 14th, 2017 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Standing tall when it counts
Statement of Alderwoman Chantia Lewis - July 14, 2017
Jul 14th, 2017 by Ald. Chantia Lewis
The scourge of out of control prostitution, drugs
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - June 29, 2017
Jun 29th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Kids Asking City Hall for Safer Streets
As many pedestrian killed in Milwaukee in first 6 months of 2017 as in all of 2017
Jun 28th, 2017 by Wisconsin Bike Fed
Senator Craig’s Statement on Chief Flynn’s Blame Game
"Chief Flynn is playing politics instead of fixing problems under his direct control"
Jun 27th, 2017 by State Sen. David Craig
Kansas City, KS reverses pursuit policy to address “skyrocketing crime
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan May 15, 2017
May 15th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
City, County Public Safety Agreement Wins Approval
Mayor Barrett, County Executive Abele announce partnership to improve public safety
May 11th, 2017 by Tom Barrett
Thirteen Council members demand action from MPD, FPC
Seek re-prioritization of traffic enforcement, immediate review of no pursuit policy
Apr 20th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
City’s commitment to police reforms persists in the face of flagging federal interest
Statement of Common Council President Ashanti Hamilton April 7, 2017
Apr 7th, 2017 by Ald. Ashanti Hamilton
A citywide effort is needed to quell Milwaukee’s senseless violence
Statement of Common Council President Ashanti Hamilton March 24, 2017
Mar 24th, 2017 by Ald. Ashanti Hamilton
Milwaukee Bucks and Daktronics Announce Pair of New Community Initiatives
Partnership with Milwaukee Police Department will return Bucks basketball cards to the community; Daktronics will also provide six new scoreboards for area youth centers
Mar 2nd, 2017 by Milwaukee Bucks
Supervisors: All Are Welcome in Milwaukee County
"I commend my colleagues on the County Board for standing on the right side of history today..."
Feb 2nd, 2017 by Ald. Marina Dimitrijevic
Council members call on Chief to boost South Side officer staffing
Members seek MPD officer increases in Police Districts Two and Six
Nov 17th, 2016 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Safe & Sound Announces Neighborhood Team Expansion to North Milwaukee Neighborhoods
As with any major expansion, Safe & Sound completed a new fundraising campaign to expand into the new district.
Nov 1st, 2016 by Safe & Sound
Twenty Milwaukee Organizations Express Serious Misgivings with Proposed Public Safety Action Plan
We are writing on behalf of an array of community groups to express our serious misgivings regarding the recently released draft “Public Safety Action Plan.”
Aug 31st, 2016 by American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin
County’s defensive reaction to committee testimony disappointing
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan June 7, 2016
Jun 7th, 2016 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Sensenbrenner, Mukasey, Flynn among guests for Law School conference on post-9/11 national security and individual liberty issues
The terror attacks on September 11, 2001, led the U.S. government to enact new laws and take additional steps to protect national security. But has the government gone too far?
May 26th, 2016 by Marquette University
Rep. Bowen to host Emergency Public Forum on Juvenile Corrections Reform
Calls for immediate solutions to reduce youth recidivism
May 26th, 2016 by State Rep. David Bowen
Let’s get to the root of the problem
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan May 20, 2016
May 20th, 2016 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Offer of police substation laudable, but real problem remains scarcity of cops
Administration continues to pursue “magic bullets” that don’t exist
May 18th, 2016 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Heroin study funding to go before Public Safety Committee
Since 2005, Milwaukee County has seen a 495% increase in heroin-related deaths.
May 11th, 2016 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Council President Hamilton urges community support for “Violence Prevention Month”
News release from Alderman Ashanti Hamilton
May 9th, 2016 by Ald. Ashanti Hamilton
Juvenile Crime Data & Summer Supervision Needs Have Boys & Girls Clubs Launching Awareness Campaign, Extending Services
Boys & Girls Clubs Extends Summer Club Hours; Debuts “A Club For Every Kid” Campaign Alerting Parents to Focus on Supervised Activities
May 9th, 2016 by Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee
2016 State of the City
Hmong American Peace Academy - February 8, 2016
Feb 8th, 2016 by Tom Barrett
James Methu’s Statement on Public Safety in Milwaukee
“Mayor Barrett seems to only care about addressing the issue of crime in the community around an election.”
Jan 25th, 2016 by James Methu
U.S. Rep. Moore Welcomes DOJ Investigation of Milwaukee PD
In response to the U.S. Department of Justice’s announcement that it will launch a collaborative reform initiative with the Milwaukee Police Department, Congresswoman Moore released the following statement:
Dec 17th, 2015 by U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore
Barrett’s Chief of Staff misses mark (and has a short memory!)
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan October 29, 2015
Oct 29th, 2015 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
MPD telecommunicators are scapegoats for poor policies, lack of management
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan October 5, 2015
Oct 5th, 2015 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Body cameras = more politics than policing
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan August 31, 2015
Aug 31st, 2015 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Chief Flynn’s gun violence comments disappointing
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan August 28, 2015
Aug 28th, 2015 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn goes “On the Issues”
With 2015 far from over, the city has already recorded more homicides than it did in all of 2014.
Aug 24th, 2015 by Marquette University
Alderman Davis requests police records of delayed response to rape report
News release from Alderman Joe Davis, Sr.
Aug 13th, 2015 by Joe Davis, Sr.
For safety and accountability, it’s time to re-make the FPC
The Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission (FPC) is a great idea, with increasingly poor results.
Jul 29th, 2015 by Sup. Justin Bielinski
Milwaukee’s public safety crisis increasing fear, frustration of residents
Administration’s own policies fueling more crime, violence and mayhem
Jul 28th, 2015 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Heads must roll over outrageous delay in police response to rape case
Statement of Alderman Joe Davis, Sr. July 23, 2015
Jul 23rd, 2015 by Joe Davis, Sr.
Chief’s comments outrageous
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan July 20, 2015
Jul 20th, 2015 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Work needed toward a multifaceted solution to deadly violence
Statement from Alderman Jim Bohl July 7, 2015
Jul 7th, 2015 by Ald. Jim Bohl
To stop the violence, honesty and hard choices are needed
Perhaps my opponent is right, but perhaps he's not.
Jul 7th, 2015 by Sup. Justin Bielinski
Mr. Mayor: Why no public review process for Chief Flynn?
Statement from Alderman Joe Davis, Sr. July 1, 2015
Jul 1st, 2015 by Joe Davis, Sr.
Alderman Donovan asks for answers about secret MPD email system
Alderman Donovan requested answers to specific questions about the purported secret e-mail system.
May 14th, 2015 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
For mayor, ignorance is bliss on MPD video snafu
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan May 12, 2015
May 12th, 2015 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Police-involved shooting in 2nd District
Statement from Alderman Joe Davis, Sr. April 15, 2015
Apr 15th, 2015 by Joe Davis, Sr.
Alderman Donovan asks for change in MPD vehicle pursuit policy
Current ‘no chase’ policy is emboldening criminals, Alderman Donovan says
Apr 7th, 2015 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
A good cop, and a bad Fire and Police Commission decision
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan March 24, 2015
Mar 24th, 2015 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Washington Park Neighborhood and MPD Awarded National MetLife Foundation Community-Police Partnership Award
Mobilizing Residents/Partnerships leads to improved neighborhood safety
Dec 2nd, 2014 by Local Initiatives Support Corporation Milwaukee
District Attorney watches while the City of Milwaukee implodes
Statement of Alderman Joe Davis, Sr. November 11, 2014
Nov 11th, 2014 by Joe Davis, Sr.
Barrett administration public safety in disarray
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan November 3, 2014
Nov 3rd, 2014 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Key information remains under wraps in Dontre Hamilton case
Statement of Alderman Joe Davis, Sr. October 31, 2014
Oct 31st, 2014 by Joe Davis, Sr.
Executive Order, Keystone: No on the pipeline, yes on the cops
Press release from the Red Arnold campaign
Oct 24th, 2014 by Red Arnold
Cop’s firing warrants more comment
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan October 16, 2014
Oct 16th, 2014 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Firing of officer involved in Red Arrow Park shooting reeks of politics
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan October 15, 2014
Oct 15th, 2014 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
MPD actions further damage public faith
Statement of Alderman Joe Davis, Sr. September 15, 2014
Sep 15th, 2014 by Joe Davis, Sr.
County Executive Abele & Mayor Barrett Host 9/11 Ceremony
Mayor Tom Barrett, County Executive Chris Abele, Governor Scott Walker, British Ambassador Sir Peter Westmacott and other local leaders will honor the victims of September 11, 2001.
Sep 10th, 2014 by County Executive Chris Abele
Donovan accepts icy challenge from Chief Flynn
Alderman vows ice bucket challenge will create big splash but ‘won’t budge a single hair’
Aug 21st, 2014 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Sheriff Clarke is right on the money
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan August 5, 2014
Aug 5th, 2014 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Juvenile crime problems go up, and curfew enforcement goes down
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan July 1, 2014
Jul 1st, 2014 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Council will honor former officer severely wounded in 2009 shooting
News release from the Common Council
May 12th, 2014 by Milwaukee Common Council
Alderman Donovan offers real alternative to mayor’s “plan ”
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan
Apr 22nd, 2014 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Five shootings in two hours – and it’s only April
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan April 9, 2014
Apr 9th, 2014 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Supervisor Russell Stamper II Says Safety in Milwaukee County Parks Must be a Priority
Supervisor Says Local Law Enforcement Ready for Summer Season
Apr 7th, 2014 by Ald. Russell Stamper, II
Surveillance camera grant program will target businesses, commercial corridors
Launch news conference set for Friday on city’s near south side
Mar 4th, 2014 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Setting the record straight—Milwaukee sends delegation to address violence among black males
The work of Milwaukee’s Black Male Achievement Advisory Council, or BMAAC, is garnering national attention, and has already resulted in city officials being invited to participate in this week’s Cities United summit in New Orleans.
Feb 25th, 2014 by Joe Davis, Sr.
Mayor Tom Barrett’s 2014 State of the City Address
Milwaukee February 24, 2014 As Prepared for Delivery
Feb 24th, 2014 by Tom Barrett
Reward to be offered for Stolen Lipinski Stradivarius
$100,000 reward offered for information leading to the safe return of the violin
Jan 31st, 2014 by Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
Mayor Barrett Announces Stolen Thumb Drive Recovered
Jump drive with confidential city employee information found by Milwaukee police
Jan 9th, 2014 by Tom Barrett
Attack gives Milwaukee a bloody, broken nose
Statement of Alderman Bob Donovan December 5, 2013
Dec 5th, 2013 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
City leaders are right to crack down on duty disability retirement abuse
Statement of Alderman Joe Davis, Sr. December 2, 2013
Dec 2nd, 2013 by Joe Davis, Sr.
Barrett’s 100 cops just won’t cut it
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan September 30, 2013
Sep 30th, 2013 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Where’s the Outrage? Wake Up Milwaukee!
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan July 29, 2013
Jul 29th, 2013 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Global Anti-Bigotry Campaign Makes U.S. Debut in Milwaukee
Milwaukee Jewish Federation collaborates with U.S. Department of State to launch Hours Against Hate
Jun 24th, 2013 by Milwaukee Jewish Federation
New Procedure for Strip and Body-Cavity Searches Needs Public Input, Community Groups Say
Letter to Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission Urges Open Meetings
May 13th, 2013 by American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin
Proposal deserves a closer look…and perspective
Statement from Alderman Ashanti Hamilton May 9, 2013
May 9th, 2013 by Ald. Ashanti Hamilton
Alderman Donovan calls for increasing police overtime funding, adding 20 new officers
Statement of Alderman Bob Donovan
May 2nd, 2013 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Alderman Donovan calls for hiring 300-400 new police officers; points to New York City’s example
Statement of Alderman Bob Donovan March 11, 2013
Mar 11th, 2013 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
“Exhibit A” Criticizes the Sheriff
Supervisor Patricia Jursik condemns Sheriff David Clarke’s name-calling and dishonesty, applauds the County Executive for appointing an interim Superintendent for the House of Correction
Mar 6th, 2013 by Patricia Jursik
