Henderson Co. deputies release body cam footage, talk impact on training

HENDERSON COUNTY, Tenn. — Henderson County deputies say body camera footage from a deputy-involved shooting could now be used as a training tool.

Records show Deputy Dale Kizer was dispatched Oct. 1 to a call for a possible domestic assault. Video released to WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News from the Henderson County Sheriff’s Department shows the officer walking up to the home and knocking.

Dogs could be heard barking almost immediately. “When he arrived, he knocked on the door and was told to come in,” Capt. Tracey Grisham said.

See the exclusive footage here.

Grisham says he personally watched the body camera footage as part of a routine internal investigation. “When he knocked on the storm door, three dogs came to the door, growling, barking, being very aggressive. He tried to shut the door, but he was unsuccessful.”

The video shows Deputy Kizer attempt to get away from the dogs before fatally shooting one of the pit bulls. During the 30-minute exchange released to our newsroom, the deputy could be heard apologizing to the dog’s owner about the shooting.

“I don’t see any other way Officer Kizer could’ve gotten away without doing what he did,” Grisham said.

For about two years, Deputies have been required to wear body cameras as part of their uniform. Capt. Grisham said not only does this offer an extra level of protection to the community and officers — it’s changing the way deputies can be trained.

“In the past, if they didn’t witness it, there wasn’t much we could actually show,” Grisham said. He says that is completely different now with the video access.

Grisham said deputies turn in their video daily to be stored onto an external hard drive at the sheriff’s office.