Jefferson County voters won't decide who serves as their top law enforcement officer until November — but a state hearing scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, May 21, could fundamentally change the nature of that choice.
Incumbent Sheriff Jason Pollock will face former deputy Tyler Anderson in the November 3 general election. Because only two candidates filed for the position before the deadline, neither appeared on Tuesday's primary ballot; both automatically advance under Oregon election law.
Anderson's Credentials Under Review
Anderson's campaign has been shadowed by serious questions about his law enforcement record. The Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) is scheduled to hold a hearing Thursday — the day after Election Day — on whether Anderson should lose his police certification entirely.
The review traces back to a March 2025 investigation that led to Anderson's firing from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. According to a DPSST staff report, Anderson is alleged to have had an inappropriate relationship with a purported informant. An investigation was launched after the JCSO placed Anderson on administrative leave in October 2024.
Following his termination, both the Jefferson County and Crook County District Attorneys' offices added Anderson to their respective Brady Lists — meaning prosecutors have determined they cannot call on him to testify in court due to credibility concerns.
"Anderson's Brady determination created an inefficient operation at the Jefferson and Crook County District Attorneys offices and the JCSO, by impacting the ability to prosecute," the DPSST staff report states.
What DPSST Could Decide
The DPSST Police Policy Committee hearing on May 21 could result in revocation of Anderson's law enforcement certification — which would, under Oregon law, disqualify him from serving as sheriff. Oregon Revised Statute 206.015 requires candidates for county sheriff to meet officer qualification standards set by DPSST.
Anderson has disputed the allegations against him and has continued his campaign for sheriff.
Pollock Incumbent, Looking Ahead
Sheriff Pollock, who has served as Jefferson County's top law enforcement officer, has not commented publicly on the DPSST proceedings. The election campaign is expected to intensify between now and November as more information about both the DPSST outcome and both candidates' records becomes public.
The Madras Bulletin will provide coverage of Thursday's DPSST hearing and its implications for the November sheriff's race.