Amid criticism, Chief Flynn says he's retiring his "Four Simple Rules to Not Get Shot in Milwaukee"



MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn said Monday, June 6th he is retiring his "Four Simple Rules to Not Get Shot in Milwaukee."

Flynn was grilled by Milwaukee Common Council members about that controversial list. Flynn said scolding accepted Monday -- but he did not apologize.

Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn



"We were disturbed by those comments," Alderwoman Milele Coggs said.

On May 12th, Flynn laid out the "Four Simple Rules to Not Get Shot in Milwaukee" while at a kickoff breakfast for Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett's annual Ceasefire Sabbath event.

The rules are as follows:


    Chief Flynn's Four Simple Rules to Not Get Shot in Milwaukee



    "So believe me, I was taken aback when I realized people had taken grave offense. It had never happened to me before," Flynn said.

    Flynn said he was trying to explain to law-abiding people that they shouldn't be afraid in Milwaukee.

    But following the criticism, Flynn said point taken.

    Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn



    "Yeah, I got scolded. I probably should have been more sensitive," Flynn said.

    While Flynn didn't apologize, he said he does plan to retire his "Four Simple Rules."

    "I didn`t apologize because my motives weren`t impure. I`ve used this as a communication device to many neighborhood groups without a complaint. I`ve got a complaint, so I won`t use it anymore," Flynn said.

    Coggs said Flynn's response was what she expected.

    "To give an apology, you have to actually be sorry for what he said. And I don`t think he`s sorry for what he said. I believe he may have some regrets about how it was received," Coggs said.

    Public Safety Committee: Crime in Milwaukee



    Flynn was grilled Monday not just for his "Four Simple Rules," but also for his work.

    Alderman Mark Borkowski challenged Flynn's job security -- saying "we'll see" if Flynn gets to serve out the three-and-a-half years on his contract.

    Flynn said Borkowski's threat was "largely irrelevant" to him.