155. Orders to fire and control of firing. [§ 12, Act V, 1861].
(a)The police officer in command shall give the order to use force or to fire when so directed by a Magistrate under regulation 151(iii) or, if no Magistrate is present, when he himself considers it to be necessary.(b)He shall direct the firing in such a way as to secure immediate effect with a minimum of injury. Firing over the heads of the crowd or in any direction except on members of the crowd is strictly forbidden, as being likely both to cause injury to innocent persons at a distance and to embolden the participants in the disturbance by having no visible effect. Before he gives the actual order to fire, he should specify the range, the target and the number of rounds to be fired.(c)He is responsible that no greater volume of fire is used than the circumstances demand. He should normally order firing by specified individuals or by files: but he may order firing by sections, or volleys by not more than half the party at a time, if the attitude of the mob makes this imperative for the protection of his officers or for the protection of the life and property of others.(d)He shall give the order to cease fire as soon as the mob shows the slightest inclination to retire or disperse. The Magistrate, if any is present, has authority to direct him to give such order.
