(a) The judge has authority to appoint one (1) or more probation officers who shall receive such salary as shall be fixed by the county legislative body or as otherwise provided by law.

(b) For the purpose of carrying out the objectives and purposes of this part and subject to the limitations of this part or imposed by the court, a probation officer, or other designated officers of the court, shall:

(1) Make investigations, reports and recommendations to the juvenile court;

(2) Receive and examine complaints and charges of delinquency or unruly conduct and conduct a preliminary inquiry;

(3) Receive and examine complaints of dependency and neglect of a child for the purpose of considering the commencement of proceedings under this part;

(4) Supervise and assist a child placed on probation or in such probation officer's protective supervision or care by order of the court or other authority of law;

(5) Make appropriate referrals to other public or private agencies of the community if their assistance appears to be needed or desirable;

(6) Take into custody and detain a child who is under such probation officer's supervision or care as a delinquent, unruly, or dependent and neglected child if the probation officer, or other designated officers of the court, have reasonable cause to believe that the child's health or safety is in imminent danger, or that such child may abscond or be removed from the jurisdiction of the court, or when ordered by the court pursuant to this part. Such child may be placed in detention or shelter care only if authorized by and in accordance with §§ 37-1-114 and 37-1-115. Except as provided by this part, a probation officer, or other designated officer of the court, does not have the powers of a law enforcement officer. Such probation officer, or other designated officer of the court, shall not conduct accusatory proceedings under this part against a child who is or may be under such officer's care or supervision; and

(7) Perform all other functions designated by this part or by order of the court pursuant thereto.

(c) Any of the functions in subsection (b) may be performed in another state if authorized by the court of this state and permitted by the laws of the other state.