The truant officer or truant officers appointed by the school committee in compliance with the provisions of § 16-19-3 shall, under the direction of the school committee, inquire into all cases of irregular attendance or of failure or neglect to attend upon instruction in compliance with the requirements of this chapter, and shall be authorized to make complaints in case of violation of the compulsory attendance provisions of this chapter, and to serve legal processes issued in pursuance of this chapter; provided, that no truant officer complaining under the provisions of this chapter shall be required to give surety for costs, and no officer shall become liable for any costs that may accrue on the complaint.