(a) The Department of Justice shall make accessible to law enforcement agencies, via a department bulletin and the California Law Enforcement Web, the commission’s “Guidelines For Handling Missing Persons Investigations” or any subsequent similar guidelines created by the commission, relating to the investigation of missing persons.

(b) By January 1, 2012, law enforcement agencies shall adopt a checklist document directing peace officers on investigation guidelines and resources available to them in the early hours of a missing person investigation. The commission’s “Guidelines For Handling Missing Persons Investigations” should be used as a model policy or example in developing the checklist document.

(c) By January 1, 2012, law enforcement agencies shall adopt a policy, regulations, or guidelines on missing persons investigations that are consistent with state and federal law. The commission’s “Guidelines For Handling Missing Persons Investigations” should be used as a model policy or example in developing the policy, regulations, or guidelines.

(d) By January 1, 2012, law enforcement agencies shall utilize, at a minimum, the department’s missing person reporting form for the initial contact with the parent or family member reporting a missing person.

(e) As necessary and appropriate, the commission shall modify its missing persons investigations guidelines and curriculum with contemporary information. Specifically, the commission should consider including and revising their guidelines to include both of the following:

(1) Steps for law enforcement agencies in the first few hours after the reporting of a missing person.

(2) Information on the availability of the department task forces, the SAFE Task Force Regional Teams, and other entities that can assist in the search for a missing person.

(Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 224, Sec. 2. (AB 33) Effective January 1, 2011.)