(a) A railroad policeman may exercise the same powers of arrest and the right to bear firearms that may be exercised by any state, municipal or other police officer in this state, but only with respect to offenses committed against property owned or in the possession of the railroad by which he is employed or for any offense committed on such property.
(b) The authority of any person appointed under the provisions of this division to act as such policeman shall immediately cease whenever such person ceases to be an agent, servant or employee of the corporation applying for the appointment under this division.