The board may issue process requiring the presence of any person or officer before it, with or without books and papers, in any matters pending before said board. If any such person or officer disobeys the order of the board, the chairman, or acting chairman, of such board may apply to any judge of the district court for an order requiring the attendance of such person or officer, with or without books and papers described in the process. The failure of any such person or officer to comply with such order of the district court shall be held to be a contempt of court and shall be punishable accordingly. Any member of the board, the parole officer, or anyone appointed by the board to secure information for said board shall have the power to examine witnesses and records and to administer oaths to witnesses. The board may employ    psychiatrists or specialists for mental or medical examination of applicants and may take such reasonable steps as it may deem necessary for proper determination of any matters before it.