A truncheon or baton (also called a cosh, billystick, billy club, nightstick, sap, blackjack, stick) is essentially a stick of less than arms-length, usually made of wood, plastic, or metal, and carried by law enforcement, corrections, security, and (to a less common degree) military personnel for less-lethal self-defense, as well as control and to disperse combative and non-compliant subjects. A truncheon may be used to strike, jab, block, and aid in the application of armlocks. Truncheons are used to a lesser extent by non-officials because of their easy concealment, and are outlawed in many jurisdictions.
Because the Baton is a fairly primitive weapon I'm suprised that they are still widely used. Throughout my comments I've been seeing a pattern of many technologies being replaced by newer ones. In this case I'm suprised that other less than lethal weapons such as taser guns, have not replaced the baton. I guess it has stuck around due to it's several applications in combat.
ReplyDeleteWorking in a correctional facility, this tool is still very effective. Taser guns are most definitely out of the question. Some times brute force is the only means of controlling a situation.
ReplyDeleteTechnology has modified the baton in a positive way. The new baton is just as effective as the old but the new ones are collapsible which make it very easy to conceal. Also some of the older ones were made from wood, the newer ones are made from a metal that is much stronger. This Is something I wouldn't want to experience like Rodney did.
ReplyDeleteI'd imagine just carrying around one of these provides an intimidation factor. I sure as heck wouldn't want to do anything that would make someone swing one of these at me..
ReplyDeleteIf it works...why change it! I wouldn't want to be beaten by one of these! Neither would any other normal human being...although most criminals are not normal to being with i'm sure they don't want to be beaten by a stick.
ReplyDeleteHere is a page from Smooth-on, a company that sells rubber and plastic, explaining the creation process of a baton using their materials for stage production. Technology has made casting much easier, and now you can find almost any material you need. It is very interesting: http://www.smooth-on.com/gallery.php?galleryid=098&cPath=1160.
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