Deschutes County sheriff under review by Oregon police certification board

The Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training is reviewing Deschutes County Sheriff Kent van der Kamp for potential violations of moral fitness standards, which could endanger his law enforcement certifications. The inquiry was triggered by complaints from Mandi Puckett, a former executive director of Clear Alliance, who has accused van der Kamp of dishonesty and ethical violations dating back to his earlier career. His previous victory in the election, despite these allegations, raises questions about the integrity of local governance. Van der Kamp's failure to disclose a past as a volunteer reserve officer in La Mesa, California, where he faced serious misconduct allegations, has added complexity to the situation. He has publicly dismissed the complaints as recycled political attacks from his opponents.

The sheriff’s attempts to block the release of his past records were unsuccessful, further complicating his situation. As the review process continues, the outcome will likely have significant implications for public trust in law enforcement and accountability standards within the sheriff's office. The investigation's next steps are anticipated during a policy committee meeting scheduled for May 22.