Milwaukee police chief Edward Flynn’s job apparently is secure despite his admission of an affair with a magazine writer who wrote a glowing profile of him. Michael Tobin, executive director of the city Fire and Police Commission, which appointed Flynn, downplayed the affair, telling the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel it was a personal matter that didn’t affect public safety or Milwaukee Police Department operations. “The Fire and Police Commission remains satisfied with the chief’s job performance,” Tobin said. John Balcerzak, president of the Milwaukee Police Association, the union representing officers, said his members would ask the Fire and Police Commission for the same kid-glove treatment when they are caught making similar mistakes.
The journalist involved in the affair, Jessica McBride, said it occurred after her article was published. She is married to former Waukesha County District Attorney Paul Bucher. McBride, a lecturer at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, has taught ethics as part of her journalism classes.