A state police oversight board is meeting today — Thursday, May 21 — to decide whether to revoke the law enforcement credentials of Tyler Anderson, a candidate for Jefferson County Sheriff who was fired from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office last year.

The hearing before the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) Police Policy Committee could have significant consequences for Anderson’s candidacy. Oregon law requires sheriffs to hold active law enforcement certification. If the board votes to revoke Anderson’s credentials, he would be legally barred from serving as sheriff even if he wins the November election.

What Anderson Is Accused Of

According to records obtained through a public records request, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office fired Anderson in 2025 after an internal investigation found he had violated office policies in multiple ways, including:

  • Having an improper relationship with a confidential informant
  • Omitting from his employment application the fact that he had been previously terminated from an Idaho law enforcement agency
  • Failing to disclose alleged drug use and distribution during his college years

Following his termination, both the Jefferson County and Crook County District Attorneys’ offices placed Anderson on their Brady lists — a designation meaning prosecutors will not call him as a witness in court cases due to credibility concerns.

Anderson’s Defense

Anderson has disputed most of the allegations and says he believes the termination was politically motivated by Sheriff Pollock, whom Anderson did not support in the 2022 election. He acknowledged experimenting with cocaine, marijuana and mushrooms in college but denied ever distributing drugs.

“I’ve made mistakes, but I’ve changed a lot, and nothing I’m being accused of has anything to do with me in the line of duty,” Anderson told OPB earlier this month.

He said he is running to share his story with the community and to highlight concerns about how the sheriff’s office is being run.

Pollock’s Response

In an email to OPB, Sheriff Pollock denied that the investigation was personal or political.

“I do not agree with the characterization that this matter was politically or personally motivated,” Pollock wrote, pointing to findings from a third-party investigator, independent reviews by two district attorneys, and the ongoing state probe.

What Happens Next

If the DPSST board votes today to revoke Anderson’s certification, Anderson would have the right to appeal and present evidence and witnesses before a final decision is made. The process could take additional weeks or months to resolve.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s race will appear on the November 3 general election ballot. Anderson and Pollock were the only two candidates to file, bypassing the May primary.

A similar DPSST process in neighboring Deschutes County led to the resignation of that county’s elected sheriff in 2024.

The Madras Bulletin will provide updates as today’s hearing concludes.