Section 16 in The Tamil Nadu District Police Act, 1859
16. Special Police Officers.—
When it shall appear that any unlawful assembly or riot or disturbance of the peace has taken place or may be reasonably apprehended in any place and that the ordinary officers appointed for preserving the peace are not sufficient for its preservation, and for the protection 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.
