POLICE BATON

The police baton is a highly effective and versatile individual defensive weapon. It allows the user to maintain a defensive nonaggressive posture. The baton is to be used in a quick reaction defensive mode as an extension of the arm and hand and is used primarily to poke or jab. It is also used to apply come-along holds.

Some of the advantages of the police baton are the following:

1. The baton is immediately responsive to the minimum force requirement.

2. It can be rapidly removed and immediately used with one hand.

3. It can be effectively used in riot control formations.

4. The dimensions of the baton are constant throughout, thus eliminating any weak point.

The use of the police baton is presently being taught at MA training school at Lackland Air Force Base. Marine cadres attached to security departments are also available to provide proper training.

The police baton is 26 inches long, constructed of high-density, straight-grain, second-growth hickory or oak, or of high-impact plastic. It is 1-1/4 inches in diameter, rounded at both ends, and weighs no less than 15 but no more than 18 ounces. The baton is equipped with a snug-fitting rubber grommet positioned 8 inches from one end of the baton (fig. 12-3). A 1 1/2-inch-diameter ring holder is provided which is attached to the belt by means of a short leather strap.

Figure 12-3.-Police baton.

Any come-along described herein may be accomplished using the baton. The baton in the hands of alert patrolmen who have been trained in its use is an excellent weapon for defense. Since very few situations will justify the use of the pistol, the baton is designed to be used as a weapon that will preclude use of the pistol and prevent a last resort situation where deadly force must be used.

Bear in mind that knowledge and practice create confidence; not only in your own ability but also in your equipment. Self-confidence and the belief that you are right can overcome the natural fear that you may experience in the performance of your duties. Controlled fear will work for you and help you to control a violent situation; however, uncontrolled fear leads to panic, which can cause you to disregard all values of human life except your own. A panicstricken patrolman cannot control his or her own actions, much less those of others.

Normal Usage of the Baton

Always keep the baton with you during your tour of duty; it is of no use to you when left in the patrol vehicle. Always keep your baton in the ring until you must use it. Never use it as a toy or to impress or frighten anyone. The baton may be used in either hand and is easily adapted for two-hand usage in close quarters for jabbing or pushing. Learn through practice to use the baton in both left and right hands for the execution of come-along techniques. When striking an offender with the baton, use it in your strong hand for speed and control. The baton may also be used as an extension of your arm for blocking or parrying blows that an offender may throw.

If the situation warrants, striking an offender with your baton will always be with the intention of temporarily disabling the offender and never with the intention of permanently injuring or harming the offender. Use only enough force to create pain and momentarily disable the offender in order to apply handcuffs or overcome resistance.

Assumed (Ready) Position

Grip the baton firmly by the grip end. From this position, hold the striking tip of the baton in your free hand, with the knuckles of both hands facing out as seen in figure 12-4. Two inches of the baton should extend from either hand. Hold the baton parallel to

Figure 12-4.-Assumed position.

the ground. You have now taken the "assumed position." The following directions apply to persons that are right-handed as shown in figure 12-4; the position of the legs are reversed for left-handed persons.

If you are facing an offender, place yourself about one arm's length away from your opponent's right side, at an angle of about 45. Your left leg should be slightly forward and slightly bent. Your right leg should be vertical, with most of your body weight on this leg. From the "assumed position," all striking movements described will provide an instantaneous response, for defense as well as offense.

Striking Areas

When using the baton, strike at the fleshy areas of the body (such as the buttocks, arms and legs); other striking areas are the joints (elbows, knees, and wrists) and the bones (forearms, shin). Do not strike the head, spine, tailbone, or upper solar plexus (area just above pit of stomach). Blows to these areas could cause death or great bodily harm. Remember that the baton is an extension of your arm. The vulnerable points of the body in which impact with the baton should be made are depicted in figure 12-5.

Figure 12-5.-Striking Areas.