The Chief Justice of the Superior Court may authorize any clerk or deputy clerk of the Superior Court to issue process for the arrest of persons charged with crimes if the Chief Justice of the Superior Court is satisfied that the clerk or deputy clerk has the necessary training and learning to perform that function. When authorized by the Chief Justice of the Superior Court to issue process and acting in that capacity, the clerk or deputy clerk is considered a justice of the peace with the same authority as a District Court clerk or deputy clerk described in section 161. A clerk or deputy clerk who is authorized to issue process serves in that capacity at the pleasure of the Chief Justice of the Superior Court. [PL 2005, c. 540, §1 (NEW).]