The race for Jefferson County Sheriff took a significant turn on May 21 when a state law enforcement oversight committee voted to recommend stripping challenger Tyler Anderson of his police certifications — one day after the primary election in which both he and incumbent Sheriff Jason Pollock advanced to the November general election.
The DPSST Vote
Oregon's Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) Police Policy Committee met on May 21 and voted to remove Anderson's law enforcement certification. The recommendation stems from a March 2025 investigation that led to Anderson's termination as a Jefferson County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) deputy.
According to DPSST documents, the investigation began in October 2024 when the JCSO placed Anderson on administrative leave over allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a purported informant. An independent investigator was contracted to conduct the review. The resulting findings placed Anderson on the Brady List — a disclosure register used by prosecutors to flag officers with credibility concerns — and triggered the DPSST certification review.
The DPSST staff report cited misconduct and dishonesty findings. Being on the Brady List had already created complications for Jefferson County and Crook County District Attorneys' offices in prosecuting cases involving Anderson's prior work.
Anderson Disputes the Process
Anderson has pushed back forcefully on the process. Appearing before the DPSST Police Policy Committee, he alleged that the investigation was conducted without proper input from witnesses and supporters on his behalf.
"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 before it voted to remove his certification.
Under Oregon administrative process, Anderson can contest the committee's recommendation and present evidence and witnesses at a formal hearing before the DPSST board takes final action.
What It Means for the Sheriff Race
The certification vote does not automatically disqualify Anderson from appearing on the November ballot or serving as sheriff if elected. Oregon statute requires sheriffs to hold law enforcement certification, but the final DPSST board ruling has not yet been issued, and Anderson's appeal rights remain intact.
Incumbent Sheriff Jason Pollock, who has served Jefferson County since his appointment in 2022, is the other candidate who advanced from the primary. Pollock holds active certification with no reported credentialing issues.
The November general election will be the county's definitive verdict on who leads the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office for the next four years.