Who authorizes a 148 arrest in a custody facility?

The authority to authorize a 148 arrest, which refers to the California Penal Code regarding resisting arrest, commonly lies with the watch commander in a custody facility. The watch commander is responsible for overseeing the operations of the facility, managing personnel, and making decisions on enforcement actions, especially when dealing with incidents involving inmates or individuals in custody.

The watch commander has the experience and authority to evaluate the situation, ensuring that appropriate procedures are followed and that any arrest made is justified and in line with departmental policies. This position typically has the highest level of operational oversight during their shift, allowing them to make quick and informed decisions regarding arrests based on the circumstances at hand.

Although other individuals such as a unit commander or station captain hold significant ranks within law enforcement, in the context of a specific incident occurring in a custody facility, it is the watch commander who has the designated authority to authorize such arrests. The deputy sheriff, while integral to responding to incidents, generally operates under the direction and authority of the watch commander in this context.