Expandable Batons Explained
Expandable batons, also known as collapsible batons, telescoping batons, or retractable batons (of which the two most common are the Monadnock and ASP brands), are common law enforcement tools that serve as an easy to carry impact weapon.
When retracted, they take up little room. If they must be deployed, the personnel simply press a small button or end cap, and the baton telescopes out to six, ten, or sixteen inches, delivering an immediate impact to the assailant.
A baton is usually carried in an open-top holster that’s hung on the officer’s web gear (for example, their gun belt) or a belt loop so that the baton can be immediately deployed. They don’t take up much space. They don’t have a safety to accidentally release while not in use. And they’re intimidating when deployed. The expandable baton can be used in "striking" motions to defend against an assailant. It can be used to "lock" an assailant into position . Or, it can even be employed to "retrieve" objects from an assailant.
Expandable batons aren’t used to "strike" police officers unless they’re being used by bodyguards and security personnel. After all, the job of a police officer is to maintain control over a situation. Viewers of COPS know the drill. The officer says: "Sir, turn around put your hands behind your back". If the suspect doesn’t comply, the officer must take control in the least aggressive way possible. That’s where the expandable baton comes in. The baton is an impact weapon that does not rely on striking a bone ("a wrist lock"), but rather on controlling large muscle groups or nerve centers. That’s why the expandable baton is such an effective weapon for police officers. It allows officers to effectively respond to an individual who may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol – who would otherwise be impervious to pain – while maintaining control over the situation.
The Legality of Expandable Batons in Various Areas
The legality of expandable batons can vary significantly across different countries and, in the case of the United States, states. In many places, however, they are legal to own and carry for both personal and professional use.
In Australia, it is illegal to import a telescoping baton, although citizens can own them if they are purchased domestically. Similarly, in Canada, individuals cannot own or carry expandable batons unless they are used for work like enforcement or security. The United Kingdom has more restrictive rules, prohibiting expandable batons as offensive weapons with some exceptions for law enforcement. Singapore and Saudi Arabia also have similar restrictions. In Singapore, ownership requires a special permit, even though possession is illegal outside of the course of anticipation. Saudi Arabia similarly permits ownership and is illegal to use for purposes other than employment.
Countries where expandable batons are completely legal for ownership include France, Spain, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Brazil, India, Dominican Republic, Colombia, Indonesia, New Zealand, Sweden, Norway, South Korea, Portugal, Jamaica, Peru, Argentina and Turkey. Other countries like France, Switzerland, Italy, UAE, Malaysia and the Philippines permit ownership and carry of expandable batons only for work.
Factors Affecting Baton Legality
In addition to overall regulations on expandable batons, there are other factors that affect whether your weapon is even permitted. The following portions just briefly cover some of the relevant factors that can come into play:
The Intended Use of Expandable Batons
The legality of possessing an expandable baton may depend on the intended use of such batons. For instance, a security guard may be allowed to carry a baton in some states, while a weapons permit holder may not be. As can also be the case with knives and daggers, your intended use of batons may have legal relevance to the laws applicable to such weapons.
The Location of Use of Expandable Batons
When it comes to simple possession of expandable batons, where you are is often the most important factor. There are some states where those who possess batons may not ever be arrested for such possession. However, if you attempt to utilize such a baton in a crime, even for purposes of self-defense, you may be charged with a crime and will certainly not be able to claim possession of the baton for self-defense as a legitimate defense.
Your Background
There are some states where a weapons permit holder whose contract only permits rifles or shotguns may not have any legal basis to utilize a baton for self-defense. Such restrictions may apply to persons who simply hold a permit, don’t require one but are prohibited from carrying certain instruments for self-protection, or carry a pistol permit that includes rifles, shotguns, pistols, or other firearms. Persons having criminal records may also be prohibited from carrying weapons.
Penalties for Unlawful Possession
penalties for illegal possession
When it comes to expandables, there is a broad range of legal consequences for illegal possession – from a fine to a class A felony charge. In most instances, expandable baton cases are treated as a class A or B misdemeanor, which means a jail sentence up to 6 – 12 months . That said, it’s not unheard of for these cases to be treated as a more serious felony offense (usually if you have a serious criminal history), which has more severe penalties for conviction if found guilty. The ruling body that governs expanded batons is typically the Penal Code of your state, territory or municipality.
Legal Alternatives to Expandable Batons
There are a number of options available to individuals looking for personal defense tools, many of which are legal in most states within the United States. Keeping with emergency preparedness theme of this blog, the following suggestions are related to self defense and protection of property in times of chaos.
- Tactical Pen – The first step is to get a tactical pen. Tactical pens are not only legal to carry virtually anywhere, but they’re also very discreet when you consider how common a pen becomes a part of our daily lives. Tactical pens can be used for a variety of purposes, from breaking glass in an emergency to catching criminals off guard and offering protection when needed. Tactical pens work not just because you have a pen, but because they are constructed with hard materials around the tip, such as metal or a hardened plastic. It is practically impossible to use a tactical pen without hurting another person if you intended to defend yourself and you have them contained.
- Key Chain Self Defense Tools – Without question, one of the most conventional, and highly recommended methods of protecting yourself is to keep one of the numerous self defense tools available on the market these days. As far as key chain self defense tools go, the most popular, and most effective, is the kubotan. These key chains are simple and compact and attach to any set of keys. They fit easily within a pocket and can be used with an incredible amount of force to harm anyone that may attack you. This method of self defense however, relies heavily on the element of surprise. If an attacker sees that you have a kubotan, they are going to know that you have it. Whereas if you were to use a tactical pen, it’s less likely that they will know why they got hurt. The best pieces of advice here are to always keep the element of surprise – and to tell people you have a kubotan. If the person knows you have it, they might be less likely to attack you and the kubotan will be much more effective as a preventative tool, rather than a defensive tool.
- Self Defense Key Chains – Keys themselves are a very common item that we carry, but more specifically, self defense key chains are a very popular item that help us stay safe. These types of tools are designed to be used offensively on a person, or defensively on an object to escape or protect. They can include multiple points and curves that can be used defensively to catch and lock onto an object, or offensively with a punch towards a person. Usually, self defense key chains are small enough to fit into a pocket or purse so they’re easy and always close by, just like your car keys are.
- Pepper Spray – Arguably, one of the most commonly known self defense tools out there today is pepper spray. Specifically, most commonly found is OC (oleoresin capsicum) spray. This fantastic tool comes in many sizes, the most ideal being the standard 5 oz. size. OC spray is very effective against attackers as it can cover up to 10 ft. away with accuracy. When sprayed in the eyes, nose, mouth, or any opening of our soft skin like armpits or groin, it can cause stinging, burning, and possibly incapacitate the attacker. Keep in mind that results vary between individuals as some people are resistant, or immune to OC spray.
- Flashlight – A flashlight is a very useful self defense tool, not only is it a necessary utility for our cars and workplaces, but it also is very good for decreasing visibility and blinding an attacker allowing you the time and opportunity to escape a bad situation. Flashlights are inexpensive to purchase for very high quality equipment. Make sure the one that you purchase is durable and emits a clear, bright beam that won’t bounce off walls too much, giving your position away. The best idea is to keep one on you at all times, whether in your pocket, purse, or vehicle; you’ll always have access to your flashlight wherever you go.
- Stun Guns – Like tasers, stun guns are used for assaults and home invasions to incapacitate a threat. Stun guns today look very different than the ones they used to look like with the big box and long wires – the newest models come as compact tools that easily store in a purse, backpack, or even your pocket. One of the most popular brands is the mini taser gun called the Pulse. Although the Pulse is a great tool, it’s an even better idea to buy an additional accessory called the Ripple. A Ripple attaches to the Pulse to enable you to point the gun towards an assailant without risking getting shocked yourself. This also enables you to use and conduct other activities with your hands while the Pulse is engaged to the Ripple.
All of the tools discussed above can be great for short range self defense, but nothing is more effective or effective than what you already have. Your bare hands. Martial Arts have become much more popular over the last few years and are a great way to keep your self defense skills sharp and on-point. In addition to martial arts, self-defense classes are also a cheaper alternative to the original tools described above. This can be a great option for kids as most town centers have classes for kids of all ages. We’ve all seen that one kid who just can’t stop kicking and punching everything in sight. That can now serve a much greater purpose should they come across a dangerous situation as a child.
Staying Updated on Baton Law
While this article serves as a general overview of the law, it’s important to remember that the laws regarding expandable batons can change. To remain in absolute compliance, stay updated on local and federal legal news, as well as developments in your own state’s laws. One of the easiest ways to stay on top of local issues is to follow your state legislators online. Many elected officials have their own websites, blogs, Facebook profile pages, or Twitter accounts. Some even have "How Can I Help You?" links on their websites. Sign up for alerts in your state or municipality. Many state legislatures offer an email option that will send you regular updates regarding new bills or changes to existing laws. These alerts help you stay on top of your state’s laws, and can be particularly useful if a law changes that impacts you directly. If there are no alert options where you live, consider visiting Congress . gov, where you can search the full text of all legislation before Congress. From this website, you can also track a bill through the legislative process, read full text of legislation, and see a summary of a bill’s purposes and provisions. If a new bill that would restrict the legality of a baton is introduced, this site will likely have it. You can also subscribe to alerts for specific Congress.gov searches. Participate in a language-learning group. If you’re not fluent in legalese, joining a group can both expand your understanding of legal terminology and deepen your relationships with people who can help you stay on top of legislation. If you’re having trouble researching attentively, head to your local library to check out their legal resources. They may have books with close readings of specific laws, or they may have access to subscription legal websites that aggregate and interpret different laws for you.