38. Nature of firing and ceasefire. (Section 3, Bengal Act II of 1866) (Section 9, Bengal Act IV of 1866). - (a) When firing on a mob becomes necessary the senior police officer present shall direct it in such a way as to secure an immediate effect with the minimum of injury. Be is responsible for seeing that an unnecessary volume of fire is not used. He shall 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 it imperative for the protection of his officers or for the protection of the life and property of others.
(b)Before he gives the actual order to open fire, he shall specify the target, and if practicable, the range and the number of rounds to be fired. Firing over the heads of the crowd is strictly forbidden, and sepoys shall be instructed to aim low and away from the direction of persons separated from the mob.(c)He shall give the order "cease fire" as soon as the mob shows the slightest inclination to retire or disperse. All officers shall carry and use whistles for this purpose.
