The day after Jefferson County voters cast their primary ballots, the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) Police Policy Committee voted on May 21 to permanently revoke the law enforcement certifications of sheriff candidate Tyler Anderson — a decision with direct implications for the November general election.
Anderson, a former Jefferson County Sheriff's Office deputy who was fired in April 2025, is now set to face incumbent Sheriff Jason Pollock in the November general election. But Oregon state law requires that a sheriff possess valid law enforcement certification within one year of taking office, putting Anderson's ability to legally serve in serious doubt.
Anderson says he plans to appeal the DPSST committee's recommendation and insists he will remain in the race.
A Troubled Employment History
Anderson's troubles with DPSST stem from a cascade of misconduct allegations that surfaced after the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office placed him on administrative leave in October 2024.
Investigators found that Anderson had omitted critical employment history on his job applications — specifically, a prior firing from a volunteer position at the Parma, Idaho Police Department. Anderson acknowledged he left it off deliberately, saying that disclosing the termination "would harm his chances of getting hired" in Jefferson County.
Additionally, JCSO officials alleged Anderson deleted text messages between himself and a confidential informant, raising evidence tampering concerns. He was also alleged to have told colleagues that he had used cocaine and helped package drugs for a drug dealer during college.
Following his termination, both the Jefferson County and Crook County District Attorneys placed Anderson on their Brady Lists — rosters used by prosecutors to flag officers whose credibility and history of dishonesty could jeopardize criminal prosecutions.
Anderson Disputes Key Findings
At the May 21 DPSST hearing, Anderson pushed back on the findings, arguing the investigation was incomplete.
"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.
On the Idaho employment omission, he said the Parma Police Department had no record of him working there — though DPSST committee members stated they had confirmed the employment. He also denied deleting evidence related to his informant contact, saying he passed a polygraph on the matter.
Anderson acknowledged using cocaine twice, calling it "a stupid decision," but denied the drug-dealing allegations entirely.
What This Means for November
If Anderson's appeal fails and the DPSST board upholds the revocation, it would create a unique legal situation: a candidate on the November ballot potentially ineligible to assume the office if elected.
Jefferson County voters will have to weigh the allegations, the certification question, and Anderson's appeal timeline as they decide between the two candidates this fall. The general election is November 3, 2026.
Incumbent Sheriff Jason Pollock has held the office since his appointment in June 2022 following the prior sheriff's resignation, and subsequently won election to the position in the November 2022 general election.
The Madras Bulletin will continue to follow this story as Anderson's appeal moves forward.