Chief Ed Flynn then and now on fulfilling terms of his third contract

The search is on for a successor to Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn who six months after talking extensively about his goals with CBS 58 News announced he's retiring from the Milwaukee Police Department after 10 years.

In a July 2017 interview with the CBS 58 News at 4, Flynn was asked directly if he would leave the post early after contentious debate on his pursuit policy and the desire of Milwaukee Common Council members to get power from the state to fire the police and fire chief.

"You have every intention of fulfilling this contract?" asked CBS 58 anchor Michele McCormack.

Flynn responded that he was a positive person.

"This is an important job at a difficult time," Flynn explained. "It’s more difficult being a chief now. I’ve lost numerous friends being forced from office because police have become a flashpoint for everybody’s frustration about everything. I’ve got something to contribute and I’d like to keep doing it."

Fast forward to Monday, January 8, 2018 when while announcing his retirement, Flynn thanks Mayor Tom Barrett for allowing him to do his job.

"When I accepted appointment to third term, I never committed to serving a full four years," Flynn said. "My goal for us was to turn around the homicide numbers that had climbed so high in my eight years and to reach ten years moving forward in the right direction. Both goals have been met. So today, I announce my retirement as Chief of the Milwaukee Police Department. It has been a privilege to serve this city."

One day later, one of Chief Flynn's most vocal critics, Alderman Bob Donovan, said a homicide rate, even if lower from 154 to 121, in the triple digits is unacceptable.

Donovan lamented that his constituents on the near south side are constantly told there are worse neighborhoods, but that offers little comfort.

Donovan said action is urgently needed to turn around the city's crime problem.

He accuses powers in city hall of ignoring his district in particular and not recognizing the violent crime that comes with a painkiller addiction epidemic and human trafficking. 

Flynn Then and Now from CBS 58 News on Vimeo.