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 3
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.
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
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
$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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
“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
Council will honor former officer severely wounded in 2009 shooting
News release from the Common Council
May 12th, 2014 by Milwaukee Common Council
Washington Park Residents Face Prostitution Problem
Neighbors meet with police, seeking solutions to prostitution and drug trafficking.
Apr 28th, 2014 by Karen Stokes
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
Why the Huge Support for Shot Spotters?
Legislature votes 132-1 to expand Milwaukee program monitoring gunshots.
Apr 7th, 2014 by Steven Walters
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 Mayor Tom Barrett
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
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 Mayor Tom Barrett
Crystal Ball for 2014
25 predictions that are certain (well, maybe) to come true this year.
Jan 3rd, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
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.
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
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
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
Where’s the Outrage? Wake Up Milwaukee!
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan July 29, 2013
Jul 29th, 2013 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Is Milwaukee the Next Detroit?
Analyzing this city’s key strengths and weaknesses.
Jul 23rd, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Mayor Tom Barrett issued the following statement regarding the Derek Williams Inquest:
“I want to thank Special Prosecutor John Franke for his professionalism while presenting the case and I want to thank the jury panel for their service.”
Feb 21st, 2013 by Mayor Tom Barrett
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
Milwaukee Reports Homicide Total for 2012
Milwaukee reported 92 homicides in 2012 compared to 87 in 2011, a 6% increase.
Jan 18th, 2013 by Press Release
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
FPC’s change of heart in Schoen case sets dangerous precedent
Today’s reversal by the Fire and Police Commission on the reinstatement of Officer Richard Schoen should be very troubling to Milwaukee residents.
Dec 11th, 2012 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Statement of Alderman Joe Davis, Sr.
Statement of Alderman Joe Davis, Sr.
Dec 10th, 2012 by Joe Davis, Sr.
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
Reinstatement of Officer Schoen sets dangerous precedent
I am deeply troubled by the Fire and Police Commission’s inexplicable decision Monday to reinstate the employment of Police Officer Richard Schoen, who was fired by Chief Edward Flynn following an excessive force case.
Dec 4th, 2012 by Willie Hines
Fire & Police Commission erred in reinstating Officer Schoen
I may not agree with Chief Flynn on everything, but I believe he was right when he chose to fire Police Officer Richard Schoen for excessive force.
Dec 4th, 2012 by Ald. Milele Coggs
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
Alderman Donovan backs MPD, Chief Flynn on Williams case
While it appears to now be open season on the Milwaukee Police Department and its leader, I, for one, am standing squarely behind the dedicated and hard working men and women of the MPD and Chief Flynn with regard to the Derek Williams case.
Oct 11th, 2012 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
The public is “understandably horrified.”
Chief Flynn frankly discusses the death of Derek Williams in police custody.
Oct 9th, 2012 by Bruce Murphy
