Jefferson County's November sheriff's race took a dramatic turn last week when the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training's Police Policy Committee voted on May 21 to recommend permanently revoking challenger Tyler Anderson's law enforcement certifications.

Anderson, who is running against incumbent Sheriff Jason Pollock, says he plans to appeal the recommendation and will not drop out of the race.

What the Committee Found

The DPSST committee's action stems from a March 2025 internal investigation by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office (JCSO), which led to Anderson's firing in April 2025. According to investigative records, Anderson was found to have:

  • Omitted prior employment at the Parma, Idaho Police Department from his job applications with Jefferson County
  • Allegedly deleted text conversations between himself and a confidential informant
  • Disclosed to colleagues that he had used cocaine and had prior contact with drug trafficking activity while in college

Two local district attorneys subsequently placed Anderson on a Brady List — a roster of officers with documented credibility issues whose testimony may jeopardize criminal prosecutions.

Anderson's Defense

At the May 21 hearing, Anderson pushed back on the committee's findings. He argued the DPSST investigation was incomplete, saying key witnesses — including background investigators and members of the public — were never interviewed. He also said he passed a polygraph on the question of whether he intentionally hid his Idaho employment.

"I understand how important it is to always be honest," Anderson said. "I would not risk my career over something so minor."

Anderson acknowledged using cocaine twice and called it "a stupid decision," but denied deleting evidence and denied drug dealing allegations.

Path Forward

The Police Policy Committee's recommendation now goes to the full 26-member DPSST board, which is scheduled to make a final decision at its July 21 meeting. Anderson has said he will pursue an administrative appeal, a process that could take more than six months.

Oregon law requires a sheriff to hold valid law enforcement certification within one year of taking office — meaning if Anderson were to win in November and lose his appeal, he could be legally disqualified from serving.

Anderson told the Madras Pioneer he remains confident. "We are looking forward to a trial with an administrative judge and feel confident we will win," he said. "This will not affect my campaign for sheriff."

Incumbent Sheriff Jason Pollock, who appointed Anderson in 2014 and later fired him in 2025, has not publicly commented on the DPSST proceedings. The general election is scheduled for November 2026.