Flynn to discuss four-point plan for not getting shot, other crime-related issues before committee
MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn on Monday, June 6th will appear before the Milwaukee Common Council's Public Safety Committee to discuss strategies to reduce gun violence in Milwaukee -- along with other crime-related issues.
According to a statement from the city clerk's office, the request for Chief Flynn to appear to discuss strategies to reduce gun violence is sponsored by Alderwoman Milele Coggs and Alderman Russell Stamper II, and co-sponsored by Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Khalif Rainey, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Bob Donovan, Alderman Jim Bohl, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman Mark Borkowski and Alderman José G. Pérez.
The statement makes reference to Chief Flynn's "Four Ways Not To Get Shot in Milwaukee" -- which Flynn outlined on May 12th during a kickoff breakfast for Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett's annual "Ceasefire Sabbath."
Flynn's four-point plan was criticized one day later in a statement released by the Milwaukee Police Association.
According to that statement, Flynn's plan for not getting shot in Milwaukee is as follows:
1) Don't belong to a gang
2) Don't be a drug dealer
3) Don't carry an "illegal" gun
4) Assure you're not going up against someone that has a worse arrest record than yours
Below is the full statement from the MPA, which states that Flynn's plan "insults business owners and citizens alike, while at the same time, demoralizes those that pledge to protect:"
Chief Flynn's four point plan "how not to get shot in Milwaukee" insults business owners and citizens alike; while at the same time demoralizes those that pledge to protect. Our professional Police Officers, Forensic Investigators & Detectives are empathetic and compassionate to all victims -- our citizens deserve to know, that should they fall prey to the criminal element, a civilized society shall react appropriately, render the proper aid and investigation as warranted. To protect and serve, not to judge, demoralize or minimize the family of a victim -- Mr. Flynn, think about what you've said. Innocent families have been changed forever through the action of unknown assailants.
Flynn suggests 1) don't belong to a gang, 2) don't be a drug dealer, 3) don't carry an "illegal" gun, and 4) assure you're not going up against someone that has a worse record than yours. That is his plan for not getting shot in Milwaukee. Really?
Reading it, I can't believe it.
I say, apologize immediately to our community. Apologize to the families of the babies, beautiful children and innocent adults (all perished through no fault of their own) -- most certainly not members of gangs, associates of/or drug dealers, or in possession of a gun -- all that are impacted are not evil. All are children of God. Can someone of civic leader stature please stand up to this man -- please!
The Milwaukee Homicide Review Committee actually concluded: "Develop a comprehensive strategy to reduce non-fatal shootings in Milwaukee." Read that clearly -- the MHRC just recommended to the Chief of Police to develop a strategy that one could only hope would have already been long under way. After all, we just concluded a year that delivered 145 homicides and 633 non-fatal shootings.
~Mike Crivello, Milwaukee Police Association
The Public Safety Committee meeting begins at 9:00 a.m. Monday at City Hall.