All actions, prosecutions, complaints and proceedings for the violation of borough ordinances, and for the collection of fines and penalties imposed thereby, may be commenced by warrant or by summons at the discretion of the chief burgess or justice of the peace¹ before whom the complaint is made or the proceedings begun, but no warrant shall be issued except upon complaint, on oath or affirmation, specifying the ordinance for the violation of which the same is issued, and all proceedings shall be directed to and be served by any policeman or constable of said borough, who shall execute the same anywhere within the borough, or in the county of which it is a part, or elsewhere in the state, as may be provided by law.