81-1-201. Appointment and powers. The department may appoint stock inspectors and detectives necessary for the protection of the livestock interests of this state. The department shall designate which inspectors and detectives are considered law enforcement officers, and those designated shall take the official oath required by law and shall have similar powers and authority to those conferred by law on deputy sheriffs. However, they are not entitled to the fees or emoluments awarded by law to deputy sheriffs. The board shall devise an examination for the qualification of stock inspectors and detectives designated as law enforcement officers and may appoint and employ only persons who successfully pass such examination. The board shall promulgate administrative rules for the taking of this examination and define a passing grade.