No policeman appointed under this act shall be dismissed without his written consent, except by the decision of a court either of trial or inquiry, duly determined and certified in writing to the mayor, which court shall be composed of not less than three and not more than five persons belonging to the police force, equal or superior in official position therein to the accused. Such decision shall only be determined by trial of charges, with plain specifications made by or lodged with the director of the department of public safety, of which trial the accused shall have due notice, and at which he shall have the right to be present in person. The persons composing such court shall be appointed and sworn by the director of the department of public safety to perform their duties impartially and without fear or favor; and the person of highest rank in such court shall have the same authority to issue and enforce process to secure the attendance of witnesses, and to administer oaths to witnesses, as is possessed by any justice of the peace of this Commonwealth.
53 P.S. § 22536