In this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:

1. 1. "Council" means the merit system council for law enforcement officers appointed under the provisions of this article.
2. 2. "Department" means the branch of government in which a law enforcement officer is employed.
3. 3. "Department head" means the officer charged with the duty of administering the branch of government having the jurisdiction over the law enforcement officer.

4. 4. "Law enforcement officer" means:

   1. (a) A regularly appointed and paid deputy sheriff of a county.
   2. (b) A regularly employed police officer in a city or town.