I cannot speak to the Internal LEO relationships within other counties, I can speak with some authority on Humboldt County, however.
The question is not so much one of "Authority" but of "Primary Jurisdiction".
In all incorporated areas with a Municipal Police Force, the local LEOs always have primary jurisdiction for enforcement of State and Local Penal Code and Vehicle Code. The Sheriff's Department is always available to assist if requested, however, the local LEO Agency still has primary jurisdiction.
In all unincorporated areas, as well as those incorporated areas without a Municipal Law Enforcement Agency (an MOU or contract may need to be in place, however), the Sheriff's Department has primary jurisdiction for enforcement of all State and Local Penal Code, however, per agreement with the California Highway Patrol, CHP always has primary jurisdiction for enforcement of CA and Local Vehical Code.
Another area that can be somewhat confusing is primary jurisdiction on Tribal Trust Lands. If a tribe has a Tribal Police Force, the Tribal Police will always have primary jurisdiction for enforcement of all applicable laws on tribal land. As CA is a Public Law 280 State, the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office and the California Highway Patrol also have jusidiction on tribal lands, however, as with local municipalities, this is normally by request, MOU or contract.
If a tribe does not have a Tribal Police Force, primary jurisdiction falls to the Sheriff's Department for enfocement of California and Local Penal Code and the CHP for enforcement of CA and Local Vehical Code.
As a disclaimer; I am not a lawyer nor am I privy to the inner workings or relationships of the Sheriff's Department, CHP, or most local Municipal Agencies. I can speak to the unique challanges of Tribal Law Enforcement, however, with some authority.
I welcome the input of anyone more knowledgable than me (most everyone most of the time) to keep me straight if I have given any incorrect information.
Thanks,
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United States Army, Retired
Life Member National Rifle Association
Member United States Concealed Carry Association
Member Single Action Shooting Society
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