All peace officers and other persons having similar duties relating to judicially committed poor persons shall see that all poor and indigent committed persons within their respective municipalities are speedily granted the relief conferred by this part. When so ordered by a superior court judge, they shall see that such committed persons are, without unnecessary delay, transferred to the proper state hospitals provided for their care and treatment. Before sending a person to any such hospital, they shall see that he is in a state of bodily cleanliness and comfortably clothed with clean clothes. The department may by order direct that any person whom it deems unsuitable therefor shall not be employed as an attendant for any committed person. After the patient has been delivered to the proper officers of the hospital, the care and custody of the county or municipality from which he is sent ceases.