The Governor, upon application of any railroad company operating in this state, may appoint and commission, during the pleasure of the Governor, persons designated by the company and to serve at the expense of the company, as police officers, with the powers of peace officers and who, after being duly sworn, may act as police officers to protect the railroad company property and the persons or property of the railroad company passengers or employees. The railroad company designating such persons is civilly responsible for any abuse of their authority.
ORS 131.880