964. Issue and care of waterproofs. [§ 12, Act V, 1861].
(a)Waterproofs are provided for head constables, naiks and constables on escort duty, at railway stations, steamer ghats, towns, and certain other posts, where they have to work in the open.The waterproofs shall be entered in the list of Crown property kept at each post and not in the kit books of individual constables.Waterproofs shall be issued only for use during the rainy season. Officers coming off duty shall hand them over to their reliefs, and when not being used on duty they will be in the custody of the officer-in-charge of the police-station, or other unit, who will be held responsible that they are kept in proper order. They shall be inspected at the monthly kit inspection.When not in use, they shall be hung up on the wall of the office or other room, a space being especially set apart for this purpose. They should on no account be kept in or near any hot place, or be put out in the sun to keep dry. When wet, they should not be kept crumpled up as that will weaken the cloth and impair the rubber. They should be washed, if necessary, with cold water only and without any soap. Oil in any form will seriously damage them and particular care should be taken to remove at once any oil on them.After the rains they shall be called into headquarters, overhauled and stored in a cool dry place until needed again. French chalk may be applied to the rubber side of the coat.(b)The number of waterproofs required shall be estimated on the following scale:-Special Armed Force - One-half of the force.*Police-station staff - One-third of the force.*Railway Police - Whole of the force.*Town Police - Two-thirds of the force.** Including the casualty reserve.
