DCLO Revokes Endorsement of Sheriff Kent Vander Kamp

"Some things are too good to be true and it appears that this is one of those. Sheriff van der Kamp's endorsement is being revoked as he has been added to Deschutes County's Brady list. We remain committed to supporting candidates who respect Law and Order and the honesty and integrity that that requires. We will be implementing a more strenuous vetting process going forward to avoid another situation like this one." DCLO

Deschutes Republican Party Press Release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 23, 2025
Contact: communications@deschutesrepublicans.org
Deschutes County Republican Party Calls for Immediate Resignation of Sheriff Kent van
der Kamp
BEND, OR — The Deschutes County Republican Party stands with the County Commissioners
in calling for the immediate resignation of Sheriff Kent van der Kamp, following the Oregon
Department of Public Safety Standards and Training’s (DPSST) recent vote to permanently
revoke his law enforcement certification. A final vote is scheduled for July, but the outcome is
clear: the process has run its course, and the people of Deschutes County deserve closure and
restored confidence in their sheriff’s office, not months from now, but today.
Although Sheriff van der Kamp has stated his intention to retire in the coming months,
continuing to serve under the cloud of lifetime decertification, ethical violations, and public
distrust is unacceptable.
The DPSST’s decision comes after years of documented misconduct, including:
• Providing false testimony under oath
• Misrepresenting his education and prior employment
• Failing to disclose a prior dismissal from a law enforcement agency
• Being placed on the Brady List by the Deschutes County District Attorney, rendering him
an unreliable witness in criminal cases
“The Deschutes County Republican Party’s support for the Commissioners’ call reflects
the serious controversy surrounding Sheriff van der Kamp’s continued leadership,” said
Keith Rockow, Chair of the Deschutes County Republican Party. “The pattern of dishonesty,
the DPSST’s recommendation, and the calls from local officials underscore the complexity
and sensitivity of the issue. It’s time for Deschutes County to move forward with new
leadership that our community can trust.” We urge Sheriff van der Kamp to step down
immediately and allow the county to begin the process of appointing a qualified, ethical
replacement. Someone who will lead with integrity, transparency, and accountability.

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