The District Attorney of the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit composed of Autauga, Chilton, and Elmore Counties may appoint a chief investigator and from time to time additional investigators. The investigators shall serve at the pleasure of the district attorney. The investigators shall meet the minimum standards for law enforcement officers and shall have the same power and authority as deputy sheriffs and other law enforcement officers in this state. The investigators shall be paid in the same manner as other employees in the district attorney's office. The investigators shall be responsible to the district attorney and shall perform duties as assigned by the district attorney.