As part of the SCRJ’s Model Use of Force Policy Beta Release, we will be posting individual chapters and accompanying explanatory materials, including main point summaries and fact sheets. Read the full Chapter 8: Batons and other Impact Weapons.

WHAT ARE BATONS?

A Baton is an impact weapon designed for blocking, jabbing, striking, or to apply control holds. Batons have the capacity to inflict lethal injuries. They deliver blunt force and can cause serious bodily harm.

WHEN ARE BATONS ALLOWED?

Batons may be used only when authorized under Chapter 1: There must be a lawful objective and the officer must use the least amount of force necessary and any such force must be proportionate to the totality of the circumstances.

HOW MAY BATONS BE DEPLOYED?

If force is authorized, officers may:

• Use a Baton to guide, escort, or control persons exhibiting passive or active resistance as long as they do not use the Baton to deliver strikes or jabs.
• Use Batons to strike or jab only when the subject exhibits active or aggravated aggression; the officer can articulate the facts and circumstances that justify each and every strike on the person; and once the person is no longer a threat, the officer stops striking the person.

ADDITIONAL KEY PROVISIONS

• An officer must receive annual training and certification to carry and use Department authorized Batons.
• If feasible and safe, an officer must issue a verbal warning and give time for compliance before using a Baton.
• Officers must strike only the arms or legs and avoid strikes to the head, neck, sternum, spine, groin, or kidneys, absent justification for use of deadly force.
• Officers may not use a Baton to strike a member of a vulnerable population, absent justification for use of deadly force.

DOWNLOAD OUR CHAPTER 8 FACT SHEET.

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