In a significant development for the Jefferson County sheriff’s race, a state law enforcement oversight committee voted on May 21 to recommend that candidate Tyler Anderson have his law enforcement certifications permanently revoked — a step that could legally disqualify him from serving as sheriff if the decision is upheld.
The Police Policy Committee of the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) made the recommendation following a hearing in which Anderson appeared to contest the findings of an internal investigation into his conduct. The committee’s recommendation now goes to the full 26-member DPSST board, which is scheduled to make a final determination at its July 21 meeting.
Background: Termination and Brady Listing
Anderson, a 17-year law enforcement veteran, was fired from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in April 2025 after an internal investigation. Investigators alleged he omitted key employment history from job applications to the county — specifically, a prior termination from a volunteer position with the Parma, Idaho Police Department.
Two Central Oregon district attorneys subsequently placed Anderson on a Brady List, a roster of officers with documented credibility issues that prosecutors must disclose when those officers testify in court.
Additional allegations included deleting text message conversations with an informant, admitting to colleagues that he had used cocaine in the past, and previously helping package drugs for a dealer while in college.
What Anderson Said at the Hearing
Anderson disputed the investigation’s completeness during the May 21 hearing, telling the committee that key witnesses were never interviewed.
“None of the witnesses, my background investigators or members of the public that we’ve asked to be interviewed were interviewed. The investigation led to the point where it seemed like I was being dishonest and stopped.”
On the omission from his job applications, Anderson acknowledged making mistakes but maintained that the Parma department had no record of his employment there. DPSST committee members said they had independently confirmed his employment at the Idaho agency.
Anderson also confirmed limited cocaine use, calling it “a stupid decision,” and denied deliberately deleting evidence, saying he passed a polygraph on that specific question.
What Comes Next
Under Oregon law, a county sheriff must obtain law enforcement certification within one year of taking office. If Anderson wins the general election in November but the DPSST board upholds the revocation and an appeal fails, he could be barred from serving.
Anderson told the Madras Pioneer after the vote that he plans a full appeal and feels confident he will prevail before an administrative judge. He said the committee’s recommendation will not affect his campaign.
“We are looking forward to a trial with an administrative judge and feel confident we will win. This will not affect my campaign for sheriff. My [certifications] will remain in good standing and we will move on to the next step of the trial.”
Anderson faces incumbent Sheriff Jason Pollock in the November 3 general election. The DPSST board’s final vote is set for July 21.