Railway companies organized under the laws of this state, or doing business within the state, are hereby authorized and empowered at their own expense to appoint and employ law enforcement officers at such stations or other places on the lines of their railroads within this state, as said companies may deem necessary for the protection of their property, and the preservation of order on their premises, and in and about their cars, depots, depot grounds, yards, buildings or other structures; and said law enforcement officers shall have power and authority to arrest, with or without warrant, any person or persons who shall commit any offense against the laws of this state, or the ordinances of any town, city, or other municipality when such offense shall have been committed upon the premises of said companies, or in and about their cars, depots, depot grounds, yards, buildings, or other structures. Nothing herein contained shall be construed as restricting the lawful rights, powers or privileges of any sheriff, constable, policeman, or peace officer within their respective jurisdiction, and for the official acts of railway law enforcement officers, the railroad company making such appointment shall be held responsible to the same extent as for the acts of any of its general agents or employees.