Jefferson County sheriff candidate Tyler Anderson is heading to the November general election to face incumbent Sheriff Jason Pollock — but the road ahead may be the most complicated in recent Jefferson County political history.
On May 21, just two days after the primary election, Oregon's Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) Police Policy Committee voted to recommend revoking Anderson's law enforcement certifications for life. Anderson says he will appeal the decision and insists it will not affect his campaign.
What the Committee Found
Anderson was fired from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office in April 2025 following an internal investigation into a series of alleged misconduct issues. Among the findings: Anderson omitted key employment history from job applications to the county, including a prior volunteer position with the Parma, Idaho Police Department from which he had previously been let go.
"I knew including that information would harm my chances of getting hired in Jefferson County so I did not disclose it," Anderson acknowledged.
Additionally, Sheriff's Office officials alleged Anderson deleted text conversations with an informant, and that he had disclosed to colleagues prior cocaine use and claimed to have helped package drugs for a dealer while in college. Anderson denied deleting evidence and disputed the drug-dealing allegation, though he acknowledged using cocaine twice and called it "a stupid decision."
Following his termination, two local district attorneys placed Anderson on a Brady List — a roster of officers whose credibility may compromise cases in court.
Anderson's Defense
At the May 21 DPSST hearing, Anderson challenged the thoroughness of the investigation, saying 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," Anderson told the committee. "The investigation led to the point where it seemed like I was being dishonest and stopped."
He also said he passed a polygraph test related to the informant text message allegations. "I've never been a drug dealer or purchased any drugs, as they say," he said.
Legal Complication: Oregon Requires Sheriff Certification
The stakes are more than political. Oregon state law requires that a sitting sheriff hold law enforcement certification within one year of taking office. If Anderson's certifications are permanently revoked, he could be legally barred from serving even if he wins the election.
The DPSST full board is scheduled to make a final ruling at its July 21 meeting. Anderson said he plans to pursue an administrative appeal, a process that could take more than six months to resolve.
"We are looking forward to a trial with an administrative judge and feel confident we will win," Anderson told the Madras Pioneer after Thursday's vote. "This will not affect my campaign for sheriff. My certifications will remain in good standing and we will move on to the next step."
The Race Continues
Incumbent Sheriff Jason Pollock, who has held the position since 2022, will face Anderson in the November 3 general election. Pollock was appointed following the resignation of the prior sheriff and subsequently won election. The sheriff's race has drawn regional attention given Anderson's Brady List placement and the DPSST proceedings — making it one of the most closely watched contests on the Jefferson County ballot.