An officer-involved fatal shooting and subsequent violent protests has brought Milwaukee’s police department to the national spotlight. The force has been led for the past eight years by Ed Flynn, who has ties to Massachusetts, including a brief stint in Springfield.
Ed Flynn was Secretary of Public Safety under then-Governor Mitt Romney when he was appointed Springfield’s top cop in 2006 by a state-controlled board overseeing the city’s troubled finances. In previous positions in Massachusetts and Virginia, Flynn gained a reputation as an innovative officer who championed new policing methods.
Springfield City Councilor Tim Rooke said those included bringing ShotSpotter technology and video surveillance cameras to the city, and using what he calls data-driven tools to more effectively deploy police.
“He tried to put the tools in place to make positive changes, and he started to turn the ship around. And I think things have gotten a little bit better, but I think there still needs to be improvement like there is in any other department,” Rooke said.
But Ed Flynn also brought controversy. His selection eliminated the civil service position of police chief and a five-member civilian commission with hiring and firing authority in favor an all-powerful police commissioner and an advisory hearing board.
State Representative Jose Tosado, a former City Council president and control board member, said that rankled both community members and rank-and-file officers.
“At least with the commission you got five people you can present your case and, you know, see what happens. With just one person being in charge with total power or absolute power, there were some concerns there. And then bringing in two civilians at very high salary levels who have oversight over some senior officers. So yeah, I don’t think many people were sad to see him go,” said Tosado.
When Flynn left Springfield to become police chief in Milwaukee, he was less than two years into a five-year contract. That prompted many, including then city councilor and current mayor Domenic Sarno to accuse Flynn of using the city as a stepping stone.
But Tim Rooke said he doesn’t begrudge Flynn for seeking other professional opportunities.
“Should he have honored the remaining years on his contract? I guess so, but if somebody doesn’t want to be here, I’d rather let them go and let somebody else in,” said Rooke.
This report was originally published by New England Public Radio.