Do Not Call No. 1745090321 - 674668593

On April 7, 2025, Deschutes County Sheriff Kent van der Kamp was officially placed on the county’s Brady list by District Attorney Steve Gunnels, effectively designating him as a “Do Not Call” witness under the Giglio standard. This action follows an internal investigation that concluded van der Kamp provided false testimony in multiple criminal cases during his tenure as a law enforcement officer prior to his election as sheriff.

Basis for Brady Listing

The District Attorney’s Office determined that van der Kamp misrepresented his educational credentials while testifying as an expert witness in DUII prosecutions between 2012 and 2018. Specifically, he claimed to have earned degrees from the University of Southern California and the University of Arizona—institutions that have confirmed he neither attended nor graduated from. These misrepresentations were repeated in court under oath and in official documents submitted to the Oregon State Police.

The DA’s office has identified at least three cases in which van der Kamp’s false testimony may have affected judicial outcomes. As a result, prosecutors are reviewing these and potentially other cases for possible dismissal or post-conviction relief.

Implications of the Brady Designation

The Brady list, also known as the Giglio list, comprises law enforcement officers whose credibility is compromised due to past dishonesty or misconduct. Being placed on this list means that prosecutors are ethically barred from calling the individual to testify in criminal cases. This designation is particularly significant given van der Kamp’s role as the county’s chief law enforcement officer.

The Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) is currently reviewing van der Kamp’s conduct to determine whether it violates the state’s moral fitness standards for law enforcement certification. Depending on the outcome, his certification could be subject to revocation citeturn0search10.

Response from Sheriff van der Kamp

In a public statement, Sheriff van der Kamp expressed disappointment over the DA’s decision, asserting that he disputes the reasoning behind his inclusion on the Brady list. He indicated that he is collaborating with his legal counsel and county officials to assess the implications of this development and to determine the appropriate course of action for the Sheriff’s Office and Deschutes County.

Historical Context

This is not the first instance where van der Kamp’s credibility has been questioned. During his campaign for sheriff in 2024, he faced scrutiny over his previous tenure as a reserve officer in La Mesa, California, where he was reportedly terminated for dishonesty related to his training and certifications.

The situation underscores the critical importance of integrity and transparency in law enforcement, particularly for individuals in leadership positions.