PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. — An internal investigation released this week found that deputies who responded to a DUI crash involving a high-ranking Pierce County Sheriff’s Office official violated several policies.
The review examined their actions following a July 12, 2025, crash in Graham involving then-Major Chad Dickerson.
According to the newly released investigation, in at least one instance, body camera recordings were either prematurely deactivated or not turned on at all during critical phases of the response.
Investigators also determined that some deputies didn’t adhere to the department’s policy for documentation.
Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank issued corrective action following the investigation, including retraining on body camera usage and evidence documentation, reinforcing supervisory responsibilities at major scenes and evaluating compliance monitoring systems.
“Let me be clear: deviations from policy, especially in serious incidents like this, are unacceptable. Whether intentional or not, any failure to properly document actions or maintain required recordings undermines public trust and compromises the integrity of our work. That will not be tolerated under my administration,” Sheriff Swank said.
He noted that moving forward, there will be no gray areas. Policy compliance is mandatory, documentation is required, and transparency is essential.
“If those expectations are not met, there will be consequences,” he said.
Dickerson was off duty at the time of the crash when, according to court documents, he hit an SUV carrying a family of six, sending them to the hospital. He was later arrested at the hospital for DUI. He has since been charged with two counts of vehicular assault with a DUI enhancement. He pleaded not guilty in November. Dickerson retired from the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office after his charges were announced.