Policy Text
Policy
304Fremont Police Department
Impact Weapons
304.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The use of approved impact weapons shall follow the department's guidelines pertaining to the use
of force. The Straight Baton and Expandable Baton shall be deployed strictly in accordance with
this policy and shall be used only when reasonably necessary to bring an incident under control.
This policy addresses the use of the Straight Baton and Expandable Baton under circumstances
where less lethal force may be effective to resolve the situation and reduce injuries to officers
and suspects.
It should be noted that the Straight Baton and Expandable Baton are two different types of impact
weapons and can be used in different situations. (e.g., a straight baton will be more appropriate
to use during a riot or crowd control situation). Therefore, both impact weapons are encouraged
to be carried while on duty. Except in extenuating circumstances, or while on the Fremont Police
campus, all sworn uniformed personnel in an operational capacity (e.g. Patrol, Traffic, School
Resource Officer, special events, etc.) shall carry, within their patrol vehicles, or, on their persons
when outside their patrol vehicles, either a straight baton or Expandable Baton.
304.2 AUTHORIZATION TO CARRY IMPACT WEAPONS
To be issued, carry, or use a Expandable Baton, personnel must:
(a)Successfully complete a departmentally-approved training course.
(b)Carry the weapon in an approved holster or baton ring upon his/her person, while on
duty.
(c)Re-certify and demonstrate proficiency at time intervals set by the department.
304.2.1 STRAIGHT BATON
Straight Baton Described: The modern straight baton was designed by Robert Koga some years
ago. It is 26 to 29 inches in length and 1-3/16 to 1-1/4 inches in diameter; is made of second
growth hickory, oak or some other appropriate hard wood; and has a minimum weight of 15 oz.
(depending on the type of wood, weight may exceed 18 oz.). Dymondwood, which is specially
made of laminate wood, has sufficient weight and strength at a 1-1/8 inches diameter and 29
inches in length, and weighs 22 oz. A rubber grommet should be placed approximately 7 inches
from one end to hold the baton in a ring, and to provide a gripping point.
(a)Straight Baton Striking Areas - The preferred areas of the body when striking an
aggressor with a baton are those which are easily accessible, effective for quickly
subduing the assailant, and unlikely to cause serious injury:
1.Lower Legs
2.Arms
3.Chest
4.Midsection
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5.Side/Ribcage
(b)Areas of the body to avoid intentionally striking with the straight baton:
1.Head
2.Neck
3.Throat
4.Kidneys
5.Spine
6.Groin
7.Heart
8.Joints (knees, elbows, ankles)
304.2.2 EXPANDABLE BATON
Expandable Baton described: Friction Loc Baton is an impact weapon that can be used either in
the extended mode or the collapsed mode. The expandable Baton shall be of the type specified
the Fremont Police Department's uniform specifications.
Approved Expandable Baton
1.ASP Expandable Baton
(a)Authorized ASP Tactical Batons:
1.The 26"or the 31" Friction Loc Series are the two ASP Tactical Batons approved
for use.
2.Only approved accessories (grips, end caps, etc..) will be added to the ASP
Tactical Baton (see uniform specifications).
2.Peacekeeper RCB Expandable Baton
(a)Authorized Peacekeeper RCB Expandable Baton
1.The 26" RCB Expandable Baton
2.The 29" RCB Expandable Baton
3.Approved holster
(a)Peacekeeper Secure-lock rotational holster in Basket weave or plain finish
(b)Peacekeeper Molle Vest Holster
(c)Nine Five One Tactical RCB baton holster
(d)Zero Nine Holsters expandable baton holster
Expandable Baton striking areas.
(a)Expandable baton striking areas:
1.Center mass of arm
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2.Center mass of the leg
3.Center mass of the body
(b)Areas of the body to avoid striking with the Expandable Baton:
1.Head
2.Neck
3.Spine
4.Sternum
5.Groin
(c)Closed Mode Strikes with the Expandable Baton are close contact techniques. They
are designed to provide safe separation. These techniques are used in close contact
with an aggressive subject when other procedures have failed. The preferred striking
areas and the areas to avoid striking are identical to those listed above.
304.2.3 ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
The listed areas to avoid for the Straight Baton and theExpandable Baton are intended to provide
the officers with information on potential injury to the subject being struck in these areas. Officers
should not intentionally strike these areas unless the circumstances present are extreme and/or
life threatening. It is understood that variables such as suspect's movement, officer's movement
and the environment might influence the actual location in which the strike impacts the body. It is
therefore understood that accidental strikes