State agency reviewing allegation of ethical violations by Deschutes County Sheriff Kent van der Kamp
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Oregon Department of Public Safety, Standards and Training, which certifies law enforcement officers, confirmed Wednesday that Deschutes County Sheriff Kent van der Kamp is the focus of a new review after a complaint was filed claiming he violated its professional standards.
Van der Kamp claims the complaints are "nothing new" and says he's focused on "business as usual."
The state agency told KTVZ News they began the review on Feb. 4. The complaint was reportedly filed by Mandi Puckett, something van der Kamp confirmed to The Bulletin.
Puckett is the former executive director of Clear Alliance, a nonprofit that seeks to prevent substance abuse, and van der Kamp sits on its board of directors. Court documents show she is currently suing the nonprofit, saying they breached her contract and retaliated against her while she was executive director.
Puckett since 2023 has accused van der Kamp of retaliation and dishonesty, among other ethical violations. She's submitted complaints about van der Kamp to at least two state agencies and the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office. None have found any wrongdoing.
Van der Kamp stated in a tort claim last year that Puckett is good friends with former Deschutes County Sheriff Shane Nelson, and it was Nelson who introduced van der Kamp to Puckett. Nelson endorsed van der Kamp's opponent, William Bailey, in last year's election. KTVZ News couldn't independently confirm a close relationship between Puckett and Nelson.
KTVZ News reached out to Puckett for any comment on her claims. An attorney for Puckett returned our call and told KTVZ News the complaint speaks for itself and they cannot comment on an open case and litigation.
DPSST Communications Coordinator Sam Tenney told KTVZ News the agency “opened the case due to the receipt of information indicating van der Kamp may have engaged in behavior that violates an established certification standard.”
Tenney said that if the review finds the complaint involves conduct that if proven could violate the sheriff's certification, DPSST will refer the matter to the sheriff's office. DCSO then must confirm to the state agency that “the allegations made in the complaint have been reviewed and handled in an appropriate manner,” Tenney said.
If the sheriff's office does not respond as directed, DPSST could turn over the complaint to "a Policy Committee for disposition," he added.
The DPSST spokesman said he was limited in what details he could provide on an open case. Under state law, such records are exempt for disclosure until a staff report is issued, Tenney said, adding that he was unable to say when that might happen.
“A sheriff who is unable to obtain or maintain their certifications cannot perform the duties of a police officer in Oregon,” Tenney added.
Sheriff Vander Kamp tells KTVZ News he is not concerned about the DPSST review and remains focused on his job, serving the citizens of Deschutes County.
