Police Union responds to criticism over no confidence in Chief Ed Flynn

The Milwaukee Police Association answering to critics over its planned no confidence vote in Police Chief Ed Flynn.

It stems from the firing of Christopher Manney who, according to the Chief, violated department policy in patting down an emotionally disturbed man, Dontre Hamilton, in Red Arrow Park last April.

The pat down escalated to a physical struggle. Manney shot Hamilton dead, 14 shots to be exact, when he says Hamilton grabbed his baton and hit him over the head with it.

Manney would tell internal investigators that Hamilton \"started right through him.\" He was convinced Hamilton would kill him.

The family said they saw no photos of Manney that would indicate he suffered serious injury and the number of shots in brother Nate Hamilton's words were \"overkill.\"

The criminal investigation is not over, but the firing over a technicality has angered the rank and file who fear how this will impact police response and investigations in the future.

On Thursday, union members went public with their plan to take a no confidence vote in Chief Flynn in one week.

When asked to give his reaction, Mayor Tom Barrett issued the following statement:

\"I am very disappointed with the leadership of the Milwaukee Police Association [MPA]. At a time when the citizens of Milwaukee are dealing with the aftermath of the Red Arrow Park shooting, the MPA leadership continues to stoke a political fire. The brave men and women of the Milwaukee Police Department and the citizens of the Milwaukee deserve better.\"

On Friday Union President Mike Crivello told CBS 58 News that, \"I guess it doesn't surprise me but what is telltale in his statement is that he mentioned this was a political situation. I guess it just confirms what we thought all along.\"

Dontre Hamilton's family says it is hurt by the MPA's latest announcement.

\"Why do they not think that's a serious matter?\" Nate Hamilton said in an exclusive interview with CBS 58's Sachelle Saunders. \"The chief wasn't wrong. The firing is something that should have been done three or four months ago.\"

But Crivello says sticking up for the officer does not mean his group is not caring for the Hamilton family and their pain. But says the mistaken termination of Manney only makes matters worse.

\"There are two families involved and hurting,\" Crivello said. \"I know many officers have been praying for both families.\"