(1) When, it appears that any unlawful assembly has been convened or riot or disturbance in law and order has taken place, or the same is reasonably apprehended, and the police force ordinarily employed for preserving the peace is not sufficient for its preservation and for the protection of the inhabitants and the security of property, it shall be lawful for any police officer, not below the rank of Inspector to request to the nearest Executive Magistrate, to appoint so many of the residents of the neighbourhood, as such police officer may require, to act as special police officers for such time and within such limits, as he may deem necessary, and the Executive Magistrate, unless he sees cause to the contrary, shall comply with such a request.
(2) Every special police officer so appointed shall,—
(a) on appointment, undergo prescribed training and thereafter, receive a certificate in a form, approved by the State Government in this behalf;
(b) have the powers, privileges and immunities and perform the duties and responsibilities of a regular police officer and be subject to the control of the authorities, specified under this Act; and
(c) be honorary.
(3) The State Government, may by special order, specify the honorarium to be paid to such special police officer.
Special Police Officers.
24. The Police Service shall have such ranks and posts, as may be notified by the State Government. The recruitment, training, posting, deputation, promotion, code of conduct, discipline, punishment and appeal and other service conditions of various ranks of Police Service shall be such, as may be prescribed.
25. To assist the Police in enforcement of law and maintenance of order or in situations like breach of peace and in disaster management function, in escort of prisoners, as well as to discharge such other duties, which may require special weapons and tactical teams or presence of Armed Police, the State Government shall create Armed Police Units or Special Armed Police Units with appropriate manpower strengths in the form of an Armed Police Reserve for each police district, and appropriate number of Armed Police Battalions for the State. The constitution, recruitment, training, deployment and administration of such Reserves and Battalions, shall be regulated as per rules made under this Act.
CHAPTER III SUPERINTENDENCE AND ADMINISTRATION OF POLICE
26. The superintendence of State Police shall vest in and be exercised by the State Government in accordance with the provisions of this Act.