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
Council Overrides Mayor on Firing Flynn
10-5 vote means city lobbyist must seek state law giving council power to fire chiefs.
Nov 7th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Community Groups Want DOJ Police Reforms
Two months after DOJ draft report on MPD released, groups demand recommended changes.
Nov 1st, 2017 by Jabril Faraj
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
Zielinski Bashes Barrett, Flynn
And Ald. Borkowski joins in, bashing the budget of "Rip Van Barrett."
Oct 19th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
How a Great Documentary Was Made
Milwaukee Film Fest favorite explores the shooting of Dontre Hamilton. How was it made?
Oct 19th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Aldermen Peréz voices disappointment in Mayor Barrett’s veto decision
Statement by Aldermen José Peréz
Oct 18th, 2017 by Common Council President Jose Perez
Council Votes for Authority to Fire Flynn
Requests state law giving them power to fire police and fire chiefs. Mayor promises a veto.
Oct 17th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
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
Will City Reform Municipal Court?
Too many judges, indigent defendants treated badly, reform needed.
Oct 5th, 2017 by Bruce Murphy
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
Flynn Blasts “Incompetent” Report
“We want to talk about reform,” police chief says, not DOJ report’s many errors.
Sep 7th, 2017 by Bruce Murphy
The Hit Job on Chief Flynn
Someone leaks incomplete report to Journal Sentinel, which slams chief with it.
Aug 31st, 2017 by Bruce Murphy
Why FPC Wants More Police Pursuits
We seek to work cooperatively with police chief while responding to community concerns.
Aug 23rd, 2017 by Steven M. DeVougas
Barrett Must Overrule FPC Pursuit Order
Fire & Police Commission ignored century of precedent by demanding Flynn alter pursuit policy.
Aug 18th, 2017 by Matt Flynn
Beyond Sherman Park
Community takes stock of central city a year after unrest. Discussion to air on PBS Aug. 10
Aug 3rd, 2017 by Andrea Waxman
Council Still Upset with Chief Flynn
"Damn right hold it again" proclaims alderman Bob Donovan. Council wants more control of chief.
Jul 31st, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
A Call For Proactive Community-based Violence Prevention
In 2017, there have been 66 homicides in Milwaukee.
Jul 31st, 2017 by Jabril Faraj
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
The Mystery of Immigration Controversy
Why the change in police policy, why the lack of “transparency,” why all the furor?
Jul 21st, 2017 by Dave Fidlin
Help Offered for South Side Prostitutes
Police, county partner with Benedict Center to combat growing prostitution problem.
Jul 17th, 2017 by Graham Kilmer
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
Council Members Blast Chief Flynn
Demanding more input into Flynn's decision making, they refuse to allocate federal funds.
Jul 11th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
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
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
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
Still Questions on Claybrook’s Death
Suspect killed by hail of bullets from police. But was this necessary?
May 12th, 2017 by Jabril Faraj
City, County Public Safety Agreement Wins Approval
Mayor Barrett, County Executive Abele announce partnership to improve public safety
May 11th, 2017 by Mayor Tom Barrett
A Protest for Pedestrians
They demand more tickets for drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians.
Apr 28th, 2017 by Graham Kilmer
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
Hidden Loaded Guns And No Training
Republican bill to end permits and training for concealed carry is dangerous.
Apr 4th, 2017 by Bruce Murphy
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
2017 State of the City
As Delivered by Mayor Tom Barrett
Mar 6th, 2017 by Mayor Tom Barrett
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
2016 State of the City
Hmong American Peace Academy - February 8, 2016
Feb 8th, 2016 by Mayor Tom Barrett
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
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
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
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
“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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
