California Code, Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 7231

(a) The State Department of Mental Health shall develop policies and procedures, by no later than 30 days following the effective date of the Budget Act of 1997, at each state hospital, to notify appropriate law enforcement agencies in the event of a patient escape or walkaway. Local law enforcement agencies, including local police and county sheriff departments, shall review the policies and procedures prior to final implementation by the department.

(b) Commencing July 1, 2012, the State Department of State Hospitals may adopt the policies and procedures developed by the State Department of Mental Health pursuant to subdivision (a).