On the same day Jefferson County voters cast their ballots in the primary election, a state committee took action that cast a long shadow over the fall sheriff's race: Oregon's Police Policy Committee voted to recommend that challenger Tyler Anderson have his law enforcement certifications revoked for life.

Anderson, a former Jefferson County Sheriff's Office deputy who is set to face incumbent Sheriff Jason Pollock on the November general election ballot, said he plans to appeal the decision and has no intention of dropping out of the race.

What the DPSST Committee Found

The Police Policy Committee — a subcommittee of the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) — held its hearing on May 21, 2026. The committee's recommendation now goes to DPSST's full 26-member board for a final decision.

The action stems from Anderson's termination from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office in April 2025 following an internal investigation. According to DPSST records and reporting by The Bulletin, the findings against Anderson include:

  • Omitting from job applications the fact that he had previously been fired from a volunteer position at the Parma, Idaho Police Department. Anderson acknowledged the omission but said he knew disclosing it would hurt his chances of being hired.
  • Allegations that he deleted text conversations with a confidential informant.
  • Disclosing to colleagues that he had used cocaine and helped package drugs for a dealer during college.

Following his termination, two local district attorneys placed Anderson on Brady Lists in Jefferson and Crook counties — rosters identifying law enforcement officers with documented credibility problems whose testimony could jeopardize prosecutions in court.

Anderson's Response

At the May 21 hearing, Anderson disputed the thoroughness of the investigation, stating that key witnesses — including his own background investigators and members of the public he had requested be interviewed — were never contacted.

"None of the witnesses, my background investigators or members of the public that we've asked to be interviewed were interviewed," Anderson told the committee. "The investigation led to the point where it seemed like I was being dishonest and stopped."

Anderson acknowledged making mistakes on his application but said the Idaho police department had no formal record of his volunteer employment there. He also denied deleting evidence, claiming he passed a polygraph test on that specific allegation. He admitted to using cocaine twice in college but denied ever dealing or packaging drugs for others.

The Legal Stakes

Under Oregon state law, a county sheriff must hold valid law enforcement certification within one year of taking office. If Anderson's certification is ultimately revoked by the full DPSST board — and his appeal fails — he would be legally prohibited from serving even if elected. The November general election is still months away, and Anderson's appeal process could remain unresolved past election day.

For voters in Jefferson County, the situation raises a direct question heading into the fall campaign: whether to cast a ballot for a candidate whose legal eligibility to serve the position remains uncertain.

Incumbent Sheriff Jason Pollock holds all current certifications and is running for another four-year term. His office has not issued a formal comment on the DPSST ruling.

The Oregon Primary Election results, including the sheriff's race which will advance both Pollock and Anderson to the November ballot, will be officially certified on June 25, 2026.