Although batons are being used less and less these days, they’re still an important piece of equipment that all police officers should carry. Batons come in handy in certain situations in which the use of a firearm or taser would be inappropriate, and bare hands would not be effective. Even if the baton is never used, its mere presence can be an effective deterrent to crime. Batons have other uses, including smashing windows for rescue purposes and occasionally directing traffic. There are many types of batons, and if you’re not sure which to choose, I’ll help walk you through the different types and explain their uses.
Straight baton: The straight baton is the most basic type of baton, and it has been used for longer than any other type of baton. A straight baton is a long cylinder, usually made from hardwood or plastic. The straight baton measures between 1 and 3 feet in length, and may feature a grip. Straight batons are usually heavier than other types of batons. The Cocobolo night stick shown, for instance, is made from a special South American hardwood which features extremely fine grain and a heavy feel.
Slapper: A slapper consists of spring steel wrapped with flat black leather. Slappers feature a flatter profile than a typical baton, so the impact of a hit is spread out over a greater surface area. This makes slappers less likely to break bones than batons that create a more concentrated impact. Because of slappers’ shape and size, they may be easier for some officers to carry than long batons. HWC offers leather slappers in two sizes – 8.5 inches and 10 inches.
Side-handle batons: Side-handle batons have become very popular due, in large part, to their versatility. They can be held between the end and the handle and used for striking, or they can be held by the handle and used as a shield for the forearm. Side-handle batons are preferred by many police officers, because they are more difficult for suspects to take away from an officer. Side-handle batons are used in a more defensive way than regular batons, giving an officer more options than to simply strike.
Expandable batons: Expandable batons, like the popular ASP batons, are batons that can be carried in a compact form and extended to a greater length when necessary. They can be used in either their collapsed or extended state. The expandable quality of these batons makes them portable and convenient, which is ideal for undercover officers. Another benefit is that the sight of a baton being extended might threaten suspects.
Mini batons: Mini batons are even smaller than collapsed expandable batons. They don’t carry the weight of regular batons, but they can be effective tools in certain situations. The HWC mini baton shown, for example, can be used as a pain compliance tool when applied to body pressure points. It attaches to a key ring and is useful for traffic stops and searches.
HWC offers a huge selection of batons, holders, and accessories. Browse the selection today. Thanks for reading the HWC blog. Have a great week.
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