Any person of good character may be appointed special police officer by the Mayor whenever in his or her opinion it may be necessary for the maintenance of law and order within the city, provided, that except upon authorization by the City Council, no such special police officer shall be entitled to compensation nor shall such special police officer be considered an employee of the city. Such special police officer shall be subject to all the rules of the Police Department and may be deprived of his or her appointment at any time by the Mayor or Chief of Police.
(‘82 Code, § 2.28.070)