As used in this chapter, the term:

(1) "Academy" means the Georgia Police Academy.

(2) "Police officer" means any law enforcement officer charged with the duty of enforcing the criminal laws and ordinances of the state or of the counties or municipalities of the state who is employed by and compensated by the state or any county or municipality of the state or who is elected and compensated on a fee basis. The term shall include, but not be limited to, members of the department, municipal police, county police, sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, wardens, guards, agents and investigators of the State Forestry Commission, conservation rangers of the Department of Natural Resources, and agents of the Department of Revenue.

(3) "State" means the State of Georgia and any department, board, bureau, commission, or other agency thereof.