8. The chief of police, or, in the absence of the chief, other chief law enforcement officer of the local unit wherein the officer is appointed, may authorize special law enforcement officers when on duty to exercise the same powers and authority as permanent, regularly appointed police officers of the local unit, including, but not limited to, the carrying of firearms and the power of arrest, subject to rules and regulations, not inconsistent with the certification requirements of this act, as may be established by local ordinance or resolution, as appropriate, adopted by the appropriate authority of the local unit in which they are employed.

L.1985, c.439, s.8; amended 2013, c.21, s.5.