The warden of any correctional institution within the Kansas department of corrections, all deputy wardens, all persons on the staff of the department of corrections who are in the chain of command from the secretary of corrections to the corrections officer and every corrections officer, regardless of rank, while acting within the scope of their duties as employees of the department of corrections, shall possess such powers and duties of a law enforcement officer as are necessary for the performance of such duties and may exercise such powers and duties anywhere within the state of Kansas. Such powers and duties may be exercised outside the state of Kansas for the purpose of maintaining custody, security and control of any prisoner or inmate being transported or escorted by anyone authorized to so act. Such employees of the department of corrections shall be responsible to and shall be at all times under the supervision and control of the secretary of corrections or the secretary's designee.
K.S.A. 75-5247a