Batons are one of the most common pieces of policing equipment, carried by law enforcement officers around the world. They do have a legimate use, however they also widely misused to inflict unnecessary or excessive force, particularly through beating. Batons can cause serious injuries, including injuries to internal organs, particularly when driven ‘end on’ into the target individual. Overarm strikes and strikes to the head and other vulnerable areas increase the risk of serious injury or death. Batons are used in dangerous restraint techniques, particularly neckholds that restrict breathing and are also used to commit rape.
There are three main types of batons:
