Who has authority to approve re-assignment to duty after the 24-hour relieved-of-duty period?

• A. Division/District Commander with approval of the Sheriff, Chief Deputy, or Duty Colonel
• B. Sheriff only
• C. The responding supervisor
• D. Medical examiner

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is who has the authority to approve a return-to-duty reassignment after the 24-hour relieved-of-duty period. The Division or District Commander has the delegated authority to approve such a reassignment, but that decision must be backed by the Sheriff, Chief Deputy, or Duty Colonel. This two-step requirement ensures proper oversight, consistency across commands, and alignment with safety, medical, and operational considerations before someone is brought back to active duty.

In practice, the immediate supervisor can manage day-to-day coverage, but they don’t carry the final authority to reassign someone after an extended relief period. The medical examiner’s role is not involved in staffing decisions. The Sheriff isn’t signing off alone; the higher-level endorsement from the Sheriff, Chief Deputy, or Duty Colonel is part of the process to maintain accountability and uniform policy application.