A Nassau County deputy who heard the shots investigated and arrested a corrections officer on charges of discharging a firearm in public and using a firearm while under the influence. Nassau County Deputy R.E. Quiles reported smelling an odor of alcohol and Wilkerson said he had a drink earlier but was not intoxicated.
Law enforcement personnel are a population that is often overlooked and most at risk for alcohol abuse. Police officers often use alcohol as a way to cope with the stress of their jobs. It has become an tolerated and acceptable outlet amoung their peers. Rates of alcohol addiction among law enforcement are significantly higher than that of the general population.
Alcohol awareness classes would be highly recommended to anyone currently in or seeking a career in law enforcement or corrections.