2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #2 discussion

Will’s former partner, Frank Sturgeon, was partially responsible for Glenn initially getting away with the murder of Jessica Suarez because he fell asleep during surveillance. Will also knew, as did others, he had a drinking problem. Your thoughts about this situation? Do you understand why Will didn’t intercede?

So many people knew about Frank's drinking that something should have been done way sooner than it did. Will should have been more verbal about it and pushed to have him removed from the case.

I think this happens more often than one would think. Will was trying to protect his partner. If his drinking problem was revealed, he would have probably been let go and possibly lost his pension. But Will should have talked to their captain and Frank put on desk duty at least (as they ended up doing). I think Will didn't want to say anything because this man had trained him and he felt responsible for him. It would be tough to turn in your mentor. But he still should have.

I understand the reluctance but knowing about his problem and letting him handle something as critical as the surveillance of a known serial killer was more important than protecting Frank. A woman died because he didn’t do his job. They didn’t properly evaluate the risk of staying quiet.

I agree with all of you, and I imagine that alcoholism becomes more prevalent with law officers whose families disintegrate from pressure of their jobs, with domestic violence, on top of the stress of such a dangerous job. It can be a vicious cycle.