Edward Flynn, the embattled chief of Milwaukee's Police Department, will retire from his post next month. Flynn’s current term was due to continue through January of 2020.
The Milwaukee Police Department confirmed news of Flynn's retirement Monday afternoon, after initial reports had surfaced:
MPD Chief Edward A. Flynn announces his retirement from the Milwaukee Police Department this afternoon. Chief Flynn has served as the Department’s Chief since January 2008. Thank you Chief for your service to this City! pic.twitter.com/dAYGzQsiID
— Milwaukee Police (@MilwaukeePolice) January 8, 2018
The police chief has been under pressure to leave his post for months.
Prominent figures in local government have criticized Flynn over the city's spike in crime. Flynn has also come under fire in recent months for his management style, including changes he made in the way the Milwaukee Police Department deals with immigrants -- without public input or the approval of the Fire and Police Commission.
That organization thanked Flynn for his service to the city, upon receiving the news of his retirement. In addition, FPC leadership voiced their confidence in those remaining on the city's police force.
The commission will meet January 18 to make plans for moving forward -- including outlining the process to select an acting chief from within the department.
"We wish to assure the Milwaukee community that we are committed to serving the community’s best interests as we begin the important task of selecting a successor," FPC said in a statement.
All but one member of the Milwaukee Common Council released a joint statement in response to Flynn's announcement. However, rather than thanking the chief for his service, they took the opportunity to voice support for the Fire and Police Commission in selecting his successor.
"This body, designed over a century ago to be a firewall against political interference in the operation of the fire and police departments, is being called to serve at a difficult moment in this City's history," the statement reads. "We support whatever process its membership chooses to pursue."
Alderman Terry Witkowski's name and signature did not appear on the statement.
