Police Batons?

Question

Why do the (British) Police use different styles of truncheons/batons for different situations ? E.g normal patrol officers seem to use the extendable batons, transport cops have the large (nightstick) side handled ones, support cops have flick staffs, riot police have long thin cane -type batons. Why is is this ? Do police in other countries have different types ?

Yes Funkeywoman I know Police in other countries use guns, that is not my question. Other countries use batons as well. My question is about types of batons. (and for the record British cops have guns to, they are just not so in your face)

The first 3 people have not answered the question !

Answer 1

I believe that each officer gets to try out each type of "baton" and goes with the one best suited to them in day to day life and their uniform is adapted to suit.
The old fashioned truncheon is still to be seen around.
(and not just in truncheon meat sandwiches!)

Answer 2

Hello there. I carry an MEB baton which is about 8 inches long and extends when you flick it out (similar to the ASP). I'm told we have them because they're easier to use in conjunction with our incapacitant (pepper) spray. Our PSU officers (equivalent of riot police) use longer ones of the same make (I've no idea why they get longer ones), and they also get long hard fixed (ie don't flick out) batons, which are obviously better for keeping people back in public order situations. We used to have the PR-24 which is a side handled baton, but they were heavy and difficult to swing around in a small space. The PR-24 and the ASP are, I believe, American, so I'd imagine they carry the same weapons we do. Anyway, to answer your question, each baton is selected to be best or easiest to use for the job the officer has to do.

Answer 3

I don't know much about British police, but I would say its a matter of comfort and mobility. The "asp" or expandable baton is carried on the belt and is always there. Where a large baton is taken in and out as you enter a car or sit down. Imagine having to do that a dozen or so times a day or in emergencies where you have to rush.

Patrolman don't have to turn off the car, remove the keys, lock the doors, find the baton, get out of the car, and then put the baton in a loop on the belt for an emergency call.

The its a matter of force you can put behind the baton. The amount of damage it can inflict, or the amount of compliance it can garner from a person or crowd.

Answer 4

Hi! Well, like Dawny, I was not given a choice and was given the ASP as were all my other fellow recruits.

The PR24 which was carried by most officers in our force was phased out and they were all retrained to use the ASP.

I guess, like others say, it is a combination of cost and on-going developments. There is not a DEFINITIVE right baton/asp to use.

One of the plus points of the ASP is that is is relatively short when carried on a kit belt, making life easier for the cop. It extends to 22" full length.

I am sure everyone will have different preferences. And ALL the police forces in the UK seem to be suffering from hellish budgetary restrictions at the moment. All due to political shenanigans and wrangling.

I cannot answer exactly why different departments have different batons - probably because of their duties and less need for easy mobility/carrying of the weapon. I am sure you would find police all over the world with hundreds of different styles of batons - each style having its own plus and minus points.

Answer 5

As with the other answers Forces have their own budgets to purchase officer safety equipment, therefore they will go to the company which gives the best deal. Public order (riot police) officers have longer batons as in a riot situation they will be behind a shield and require a longer length baton as most of the scenarios involve protecting themselves behind the shield. All UK police officers carry a form of incapacitent spray whose use should be considered first in a situation with a suspect who is violent and non complient. Use of a baton may cause a permanent injury where as the effects of the incapacitant spray should wear off within a couple of hours.

Answer 6

It depends on what police force you are in.... different forces in the UK advocate and issue different batons.
Its just a political and cost thing.
I know in the West Mids they have flick extendable batons.. or cascos. Riot police have the SAME batons because they are the same officers who normally work the beat, kitted up for a riot.

Answer 7

Like many other people said personal preference on what they want. But most police departments have policies and carry specific ones. The PR24's with side handle, are very useful and easier to use, but hard to carry on you, in-out of the cruiser, my preference.

My department carries the expandable baton, ASP. I dont like them, but I am not the Chief, I prefer the Monadnock push button release, with rubber top.

The new expandable ones are more money, and that is a huge factor on what and why certain police agencies carry what for any kind of equipment.

Answer 8

I think ASP makes the best batons. They come in different lengths, but I'm not aware of any kind of knife end on one. If it was me I would just buy a pistol. You might pull out your baton as the burglar shoots you in the head.

Answer 9

Each baton has different advantages.
~Extendable batons are low profile and easy to carry.
~Large side handled ones can be used for arm locks which transport cops use for escorting prisoners.
~Long thin batons are obviously used for their reach which are useful during riots.

Answer 10

I ahve been a British police officer and during your combat/defence training you get to choose the Baton that you prefer,there are 3 to choose from.It has nothing to do with the job you do in the force it's to do with what you find easiest to control and are comfortable with.