O.C.G.A. § 37-3-5: Apprehension by peace officer of patient who leaves facility without permission.

If, during the period of involuntary hospitalization pursuant to any valid physician’s certificate, court order, or order by the hearing examiner authorized by this chapter, a patient escapes or otherwise leaves a facility without permission, the facility may advise any peace officer that the patient has escaped or otherwise left the facility without permission; and the peace officer shall be authorized to take the patient into custody and return him to such facility.