An Update From Kent Vander Kamp; A Sincere Apology and Clarification Regarding My Volunteer Experience 27 Years Ago.

Dear Supporters,

I appreciate your patience as I worked with my legal team to gather more information regarding the matter in La Mesa, California, and my time as a volunteer reserve officer. I understand your frustration with the lack of information, and an administrative gag order and court restrictions on the related documents have constrained me. Last night, I finally obtained clarity on these issues after reading the confidential personnel documents I had never seen before.

I want to provide some background about my early volunteer work, which goes back 30 years. During high school and my first year of college, I was actively involved in the Boy Scouts of America Explorer Program, including the Law Enforcement Explorer Program. This co-ed youth program offers hands-on career experiences to help young people discover potential career paths and develop essential life skills.

After high school, the explorer program pointed me toward college-level criminal justice electives at Grossmont College in San Diego, which led to an unpaid, less-than-full-time volunteer position with the La Mesa Police Department. This opportunity allowed me to apply my college classes in real-world situations.

However, after completing the college program and volunteering in late 1997, I was apparently dismissed from the volunteer position for using speed radar equipment without proper certification. Another allegation included failing to report a visit to a gas station and assisting a Police Officer on my activity logbook. This allegation was resolved with corrective training that ended with a positive review from the trainer. While the remaining allegations were dismissed, I only recently learned of my dismissal through these internal documents after reading them for the first time yesterday.

Although the provided documents did not include any dismissal or notice of discipline correspondence addressed to me, I acknowledge these mistakes, and they are embarrassing to reflect on.

I was young, immature, and inexperienced at that time, and I regret my actions. These incidents do not represent who I am today nor reflect the commitment I’ve shown to public safety in Deschutes County over the past 22 years. With time and experience, I’ve learned valuable lessons and take full responsibility for my past errors.

I was never placed on a “Brady List” or given a “Giglio Letter.” As of today, my college credits, reserve, and training certificates remain in good standing.

I sincerely apologize to my supporters for any concern or confusion this may have caused, and I thank you for your continued trust.

Sincerely,

Kent Vander Kamp