Batons have been carried for years by not only police officers but security guards and members of the military. A baton can be used as a defensive weapon for blocking attacks or as an offensive weapon for striking with. It can also be used for other purposes such as searching a suspect if they have sharp objects about their person or for breaking something like a window for an escape or to free someone. Some would have a leather wrist strap to give more control of the baton as shown in the image of police batons opposite.
History of the Police Baton
Early police batons were quite simply a straight club made from wood. They were used as a warrant card as they would have the Royal crest displayed on them. This showed the authority that the officers had and were clearly visible as shown in the image of an early police officer. The handles were designed to give grip and have grooves in them. Some early batons were made of rubber which made them less effective as an offensive weapon than wooden models which led to officers reverting back to wooden batons. Nothing much changed in the design of police batons from Victorian times to the 1970s. It was then that telescopic truncheons began to make an appearance. Lighter and more comfortable to carry around, the telescopic truncheons changed the appearance of police officers as the straight truncheon was no longer visible from their belts.
How does a police baton work?
Early police batons were very simple to use. Basically, strike someone or something with suitable force. Although the early police batons and truncheons were a straight club made of wood or rubber, there were still techniques to learn how and where to strike. Striking with a downward motion on a target area of the body proved to be effective. Striking the leg area with the aim of removing their mobility was another effective use of the baton. Striking the head area is the most likely to cause death so is avoided unless strictly necessary. Aiming for larger muscle groups or nerves are the most effective in neutralising a threat whilst making sure they can be questioned if necessary. Some batons evolved to have a side handle so that the overall shape resembled a letter T. These batons were far more effective than the traditional straight batons.
With the evolution of the telescopic truncheon, officers had new techniques to learn and master quickly. These batons are made of metal and are more lightweight than traditional wooden batons. To make the truncheon usable, hold the handle and swing down with a swift motion. The telescopic baton is now able to be used by the officer.
How heavy is a police baton?
A lot depends on the material and design of the baton in determining exact weights. Modern, expandable batons can weigh between 300g and 500g without allowing for the holder attachment. Depending on the metal that is used will depend where specific batons sit. Also, it is important to consider the full length of the baton as this can vary from 16 inches up to 26 inches. Longer batons have more metal in them which increases the overall weight. Traditional wooden truncheons used in the UK had to be heavy enough to be effective in offence and defence, but not so heavy that they would become a hindrance to the officer carrying them. Lighter woods were used to compensate for this.
What is a police baton called?
Police batons are known by other names such as truncheon, nightstick and billy club. The term truncheon comes from the old French word ‘tronchon’ which translates as small stump. Considering the early use of wood for police batons, the name truncheon seems logical in this instance.
The term nightstick was used to distinguish between a regular baton, used in the daytime, and a longer version carried at night. It was thought to be more dangerous to be on patrol at night so a larger version of the baton was carried at night – hence the name nightstick.
A billy club is a Victorian term that has its roots in varying traditions such as coming from the slang term for a crowbar which was used by burglars to prise open windows and doors. A further train of thought is that it is adapted from the US term bully club (pictured) which was used in various universities by senior students to keep discipline. A tradition arose from this which involved stealing the bully club from the senior student.
What is the difference between an asp baton and a telescopic baton?
With the evolution of telescopic batons, one brand is leading the way and is the recognised manufacturer. ASP (Armament Systems and Procedures) created the first example and are now synonymous with police batons the world over. Predominantly used in the US, they have an excellent design and are extremely high quality. These batons work by using the powers of friction to lock telescopic tubes in place. ASP batons are used as they are lightweight but still produce a solid strike to an assailant. What sets ASP batons and telescopic versions apart is the material they are made from. ASP creates their batons using steel and aluminium alloy, making them a much lighter model to carry without substituting much strength. Telescopic or expanding batons tend to be steel made. What is common amongst all types of expanding batons is that they are more comfortable to carry than a standard, straight truncheon. It is important to note that carrying an ASP or any other telescopic baton is illegal unless you are a police officer.
A lot has changed with police batons over the years. They began as a humble wooden club with the added value of serving as a warrant and are now available in the lightweight, telescopic form. It is still a valuable piece of police kit but different in appearance and material.
FAQ
What is the Police baton name?
Police batons are called truncheons, nightsticks and or even a billy club.
What are Police batons made of?
Nowadays Police batons are made of aluminium or steel.
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