The governing body of any municipality, in their discretion, by ordinance, may provide for the appointment of a clerk for the police department or force and in any such ordinance shall prescribe his powers, functions and duties and fix the amount of his compensation, which shall be payable in the same manner as in the case of other members of the police department or force. The clerk when so appointed shall become a member of the municipal police department or force and be entitled to all the rights and privileges as such member.

L.1971, c. 197, s. 1, eff. July 1, 1971.