All persons appointed as patrolmen or as special police officers under the provisions of this chapter shall be under the direction and supervision of the chief of police. They shall be subject to the orders of the chief of police, except in cases otherwise provided by ordinance. It shall be their duty to cause the public peace to be preserved and to see that all laws and ordinances are enforced within the city limits. When violations of any law or ordinance shall be reported to them or come to their knowledge, they shall cause the required complaint to be made and see that all possible evidence is procured for the successful prosecution of the offenders. (1975 Code § 1-1304)
The officers and members of the police department shall have power to arrest all offenders against the laws of the state or of the city by day or by night, in the same manner as other police officers of the state, and keep them in the city jail or other place to prevent their escape until trial can be had before the proper officer. They shall likewise be vested with power to serve any other process issued under authority of the ordinances of the city. (1975 Code § 1-1303)