Any person of good character having duties which require it, may be appointed a special police officer by the chief of police; provided, that except upon authorization by the city council, no such special police officer shall be entitled to any compensation from the city, nor shall such special police officer be considered an employee of the city by reason of such appointment. Special police officers shall obey all rules of the police department applicable thereto, and may be deprived of their appointment by the chief at any time. (1967 Code § 8.010)