Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission to start accepting applications for Interim Police Chief

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission will start accepting applications for the Interim Police Chief position Friday.

The MFP Commission announced in a meeting Thursday that they will accept applications from candidates within the police department until January 19. Then, Commissioner Nelson Soler will choose two to five candidates and present them to residents in a public forum.

People will have the opportunity to interact with candidates before one is appointed. The commission has until February 16 to fill the position.

“We have a process that is inclusive, transparent and appeals to the larger community,” Commissioner Soler said.

Police Chief Flynn announced he was retiring this week. He served as the Milwaukee Police Chief for ten years.

Police and Fire Commission Chairman Steven DeVougas said they’re looking for someone who’s already involved in the community.

“The community has a right to determine how they want to be policed and what the approach is,” DeVougas said. “I think you have to work with the community to achieve those ends.”

Commissioner Soler said in a few weeks they’ll announce the plan to fill the permanent Police Chief position.

Chief Flynn will retire on February 16 but will be on the payroll until March 30. Mayor Tom Barrett said that’s because he has extra days, like vacation or sick days.