Re: Baton Tactics

[Damian (Instructor)]

Thanks Dave – if it’s not broke, DON’T FIX IT.

Funny, the riot training developed by Rex Applegate in featured in Kill or Be Killed (I think that’s in the SDC Library) is still taught today because it works and to be honest, people don’t really think about riots except that it needs to be dealt with swiftly and effectively. Cops don’t daydream about liability when someone is hurling Molotov cocktails or rocks your way.

The ASP is accepted for 2 reasons.

First, it’s convenient. You can leave it attached to your belts, get in and out of the car without having to pick up that pesky baton and put it in your belt.

Second, it looks cool when you open it and sends a “warning” like racking a round in a shot gun or opening a switch blade.

The thing to remember with all this training is don’t depend on the weapon to solve your problems.

Most courses I have seen have tried to use the ASP against lethal force, or in every position.

This is a mistake.

There will be times when you need to ditch the weapon and use something else. For example, the guy grabs it. SDTS says let him have it because I’m going to start beating you to death with my hands or I’m dropping the weapon, striking you a lot until you cover up, then I’m dropping back and drawing my firearm.

I know that’s broad strokes – but you get the idea.