Embattled ex-cop Jeffrey Keniston has voluntarily surrendered the certifications that allowed him to work as a law enforcement officer in Oregon. This action ends the proceedings against him before an administrative law judge could issue a proposed order.
Keniston’s decision to sign a stipulated order on June 19 permanently revokes his state certifications. By surrendering them, Keniston waived his right to a hearing or appeal, as confirmed by the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST).
Keniston’s career has been marred by controversy. He was terminated by the Salem Police Department in December 2022 after nearly two decades of service. The dismissal was based on allegations that Keniston used his position as a domestic violence officer for personal gain, including engaging in a sexual relationship with a domestic violence survivor he was assigned to protect.
Despite the ongoing investigation, Keniston was hired by the nearby Aumsville Police Department and sworn in as an officer on May 15, 2023. However, he resigned from this position on Oct. 5. The agency’s police chief said Keniston did not face allegations in Aumsville but acknowledged the ongoing DPSST investigation.
The DPSST review, initiated after Keniston’s termination from Salem PD, sought to revoke Keniston’s certifications permanently. On Sept. 6, 2023, the DPSST issued a Notice of Proposed Revocation, citing his failure to meet the moral fitness standards required of a public safety professional. The notice detailed his alleged misconduct and described it as an “extreme violation of trust.”
Keniston requested a hearing to fight the revocation, and an in-person hearing was scheduled for Feb. 27, 2024. Both parties later agreed to submit their cases in writing, with final submissions completed by June 7. However, before a proposed order could be issued, Keniston voluntarily surrendered his certifications.
Morgan Williams, Keniston’s ex-wife, had also filed a complaint with Salem police in April 2022, reporting alleged misconduct during their marriage. When questioned by a detective, Keniston denied or claimed not to recall her allegations.
Throughout this period, Keniston did not face criminal charges. Keniston has remained unresponsive despite multiple attempts to seek his comments on these matters.
I broke this story and was first to report Keniston’s firing, hiring by Aumsville police, his resignation from the agency, and his communications with a violent Proud Boys activist.
