The general election contest for Jefferson County Sheriff is set — and it is unlike any race the county has seen before.
Tyler Anderson, who advanced to the November general election against incumbent Sheriff Jason Pollock after the May 19 primary, now faces the race without his law enforcement credentials. Oregon's Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) Police Policy Committee voted on May 21 to recommend revoking Anderson's police certifications, citing findings rooted in the same misconduct and dishonesty allegations that led to his firing from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office last year.
From Deputy to Candidate — With a Complicated Record
Anderson worked as a Jefferson County Sheriff's Office deputy for a decade before being terminated in early 2025. His firing, according to termination records obtained by OPB, centered on allegations that he was "untruthful" on multiple occasions. A settlement agreement was signed February 23, 2026, though it did not restore his employment.
Anderson was placed on the Brady List — a law enforcement database of officers whose credibility may be challenged in court — in both Jefferson and Crook Counties in July 2025. Officers on the Brady List face significant limitations in testifying in criminal proceedings.
Despite these challenges, Anderson filed to run for the top law enforcement job in Jefferson County, setting up a direct contest against the man who fired him: incumbent Sheriff Jason Pollock, who is seeking his second term.
DPSST Hearing: Anderson Says He Wasn't Heard
At the May 21 hearing before the DPSST Police Policy Committee, Anderson raised concerns about the process itself.
"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 — which nonetheless voted to remove his certification.
The decertification recommendation goes to the full DPSST Board, which has authority to make the revocation final. Once decertified, Anderson would be legally prohibited from serving as a peace officer in the state of Oregon.
What It Means for the Race
Anderson's name will appear on the November general election ballot. Oregon law does not require candidates for elected sheriff to hold a law enforcement certification at the time they run — though they would be required to meet certification standards if elected and sworn in.
Sheriff Pollock, who fired Anderson and then faced him as a primary challenger, has positioned himself as the experienced, credentialed choice. He has served as Jefferson County's sheriff since 2019.
Jefferson County voters will decide this race in November. The Madras Bulletin will continue to follow developments in both the certification process and the campaign.