The chief of police shall have the power and it shall be his duty to enforce all rules and regulations of the commissioner of public safety relating to the police department; to commit any person charged with a criminal offense until an examination shall be had before the proper magistrate; to administer oaths and take affidavits in respect to all matters pertaining to his official duties, and to perform such other duties as may be prescribed by law, the commissioner of public safety, or ordinance of the common council.
New York Legal Code