Section 16
Special Police Officers.
The Madras District Police Act, 1859
About this Act
An Act for the better regulation of the Police within the Territories subject to the Presidency of Fort St. George.
When it shall appear that any tumult, riot, or outrage has taken place,
or may be reasonably apprehended in any place, and that the ordinary Officers appointed for preserving of
the inhabitants, and the security of property in such place, it shall be lawful for any Police Officer not
below the rank of Inspector to apply to the nearest Magistrate to appoint so many of the public or village
servants, or residents of the neighbourhood, as such Police Officer may require to act as special Police
Officers for such time and in such manner as he shall deem necessary; and it shall be the duty of such
Magistrate at once to comply with such applications.