Who must approve the forced withdrawal of blood from a suspect?

The approval for the forced withdrawal of blood from a suspect must come from the Watch Commander. This is because the Watch Commander typically has the operational authority and responsibility at the scene or during a shift. By requiring their approval, jurisdictions ensure that there is a person in charge who is making informed decisions in line with legal and departmental policies.

Forcing a suspect to give blood is a significant action that involves consideration of legal rights, potential medical implications, and procedural safeguards. The Watch Commander would have the training and responsibility to assess whether the situation meets the necessary legal criteria, such as having probable cause or any exigent circumstances, thereby safeguarding both the rights of the suspect and the integrity of the law enforcement process.

In contrast, while a senior officer may have experience and authority, it is the Watch Commander’s specific duty to oversee such incidents and ensure correct protocols are followed. The Chief of Police is usually focused on broader administrative and leadership responsibilities rather than day-to-day operations. Similarly, court approval would be unnecessary in most immediate situations, as blood draws typically require rapid action to preserve evidence, making it impractical to wait for court intervention.