All sworn members shall be issued a side handle or straight baton and receive certified Department training in its use. Members must be certified through approved Department training, prior to being authorized to carry any other optional baton. Personnel working a uniformed field assignment engaged in field activities likely to result in citizen contacts shall carry a baton. Detective personnel are encouraged to carry a baton when engaged in enforcement or potential arrest activities. The following batons are acceptable to meet this requirement: side handle baton, expandable side handle baton, straight baton, expandable straight baton (positive-lock, friction-lock). All batons shall be commercially manufactured, weigh between 14-31 ounces, and shall be approved by the Uniform and Safety Equipment Committee.
Side Handle Baton
The side handle baton is to be 24 inches in length with the short portion measuring 6 1/4 inches and the long extended portion measuring 17 3/4 inches. The handle is 5 1/2 inches. The aluminum baton weight is to be 26 ounces (plus or minus one ounce); the plastic baton weight is to be 24 ounces (plus or minus one ounce). The diameter of the baton is to be 1 1/4 inches.
The holder is of black leather or plastic with a metal clip that clinches the ring holding the baton.
Any brand of a "spinning" side handle may be added to the side handle baton at the employee's expense.
Expandable Side Handle Baton (Optional)
General Description:
An expandable side handle baton shall be a two-stage, positive-lock baton with a side handle fastened to a 1 or 1 1/4 inch diameter aluminum frame. The frame finish shall have a black anodized finish. The shaft shall be made from aluminum or polycarbonate plastic. The maximum overall length shall be 24 inches.
Straight Baton
The baton shall be either of wood stained with natural wood colors and smooth sanded, black nylon plastic, or black anodized aluminum. The baton shall be a maximum of 29 inches in length and shall not be weighted or loaded in any manner.
It shall measure 1 1/8 inches to 1 1/4 inches in diameter.
The baton holder is of black leather or plastic with a metal clip that clinches the ring holding the baton.
Bokken (Mounted Baton)
Mounted Enforcement Detail members must be certified through approved Department training prior to being authorized to carry this baton.
Expandable Straight Baton
Authorized Expandable Straight Batons (Optional)
Currently approved expandable straight batons are either the positive-lock by Monadnock or friction-lock batons by Monadnock, Winchester, or Armament Systems Procedures. The expandable baton length shall be between 24 and 26 inches when expanded and shall weigh between 14 and 24 ounces.
Positive-Lock
The authorized positive-lock baton is a two-stage baton which consists of a foam or rubber-covered handle and one telescoping shaft that is locked in place with a mechanical detent.
Friction-Lock
The authorized friction-lock batons are made of hardened steel. The baton has either a foam or rubber-covered handle and two additional telescoping metal shafts that are locked in place by mechanical friction upon extension.
All batons shall be secured in a holder that is black leather or multi-positional polycarbonate plastic.
NOTE: Personnel working uniformed field assignments electing to carry the expandable baton are still required to have their standard side handle or straight baton in their radio car for immediate access while on duty. Station detectives and all personnel that are members of the Department’s Sheriff’s Response Team are required to have their side handle or straight baton available with their emergency response equipment.
Sap (Optional)
Only the Gonzalez Model 415 or similar sap weighing 21 ounces (plus or minus two ounces) is approved. The sap may be purchased and used by deputies as an optional equipment item.
The sap may be carried as a secondary intermediate impact device only.