Jefferson County's November sheriff's race has been significantly complicated by a state law enforcement oversight body's decision: the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) Police Policy Committee voted on May 21 to recommend that challenger Tyler Anderson be stripped of his law enforcement certifications.
The committee's recommendation, which goes to the full DPSST board for a final decision, is the latest development in a months-long controversy surrounding Anderson's candidacy. Anderson is running against incumbent Sheriff Jason Pollock, who fired Anderson from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office in March 2025 after a decade of service.
What Led Here
The termination papers, obtained by OPB, allege that Anderson was "untruthful" on multiple occasions. Anderson was also removed from the Central Oregon Response Team prior to his firing after he reportedly encouraged another officer to break out a window on a suspect vehicle and failed to write his report on the incident. An economic sanction was placed on him in April 2024.
Anderson is also on the Brady List — a database of law enforcement officers with documented credibility issues that prosecutors must disclose to defense attorneys in criminal cases.
Despite those issues, Anderson filed to run against the man who fired him. Because only two candidates entered the race, there was no primary — both Pollock and Anderson automatically advance to the November 2026 general election.
Anderson Disputes the Process
"None of the witnesses, my background investigators or members of the public that we've asked to be interviewed were interviewed," Anderson told the DPSST Police Policy Committee at the May 21 hearing, according to the Madras Pioneer. Anderson and his attorneys had previously expressed confidence they could retain his certifications, and indicated that if revoked, they would pursue recertification.
The final decision on Anderson's certifications now rests with the full DPSST board.
What This Means for the Race
Legally, Oregon does not require a sheriff candidate to hold law enforcement certifications at the time of election — only at the time of taking office. Whether the board ultimately revokes Anderson's certification before the November election, and whether he could be recertified in time, remains an open question.
Incumbent Sheriff Jason Pollock was first appointed in June 2022 and is seeking his first full elected term. Jefferson County voters will make their choice in the November 4, 2026 general election.