The legislation of defense batons

Summary:

What is a telescopic baton?

The telescopic defense baton or telescopic baton is a weapon mainly used by police services in a large number of countries. It is a non-lethal weapon, designed so that the target is not killed or seriously injured.

It is generally made of metal and composed of three segments, the two end segments deploy and retract into the third segment which is the handle. The tip of the baton is often made of a small steel ball to increase striking force. Once retracted, the baton then measures about twenty centimeters and can be easily concealed.

In a defensive situation, the baton proves to be unparalleled in effectiveness. It allows you to work at a distance, with the aim of avoiding blows and direct contact with an attacker. When contact is necessary, it can be used to immobilize an individual through different holds. It is also an effective means of defense against animals.

There are two types of telescopic batons, a version in tempered steel and a version in non-tempered steel. The tempered version is of higher quality and is intended for professional use.

Use of the telescopic defense baton

The telescopic baton unfolds with a quick gesture of the forearm and wrist. Once opened, it remains locked in this position in order to ensure the protection of its holder against danger. The telescopic baton is particularly effective against an attacker carrying a bladed weapon.

Its steel composition means that a single blow can be enough to neutralize the most determined attackers. It is not necessary to adjust your strike to a particular location. Regardless of the baton's point of impact, the pain is immediate and very significant.

Another advantage of the telescopic baton is that it has no direction of use unlike a knife for example. It has neither cutting edge nor reverse. This is a detail that has its importance, because the blow delivered is effective regardless of the striking angle.

Finally, the telescopic baton remains effective even if the person using it is panicked in their movements. This is not the case with most bladed weapons that require great mastery, composure during use and direct contact with the attacker.

Telescopic baton: what legislation in France?

The telescopic defense baton (TDB) is mainly used by the national gendarmerie, municipal police, national police, customs, security companies and the penitentiary administration.

Since the decree of June 26, 2013 (n°2013-550), the law authorizes its use in municipal police. Its use is also authorized by the law enforcement forces of SNCF and RATP since November 24, 2002 (decree n°2000-1135).

Regarding the legal aspect, the telescopic baton is classified in France in the sixth category, in the same way as knives. Its acquisition is free for adults, but carrying it is prohibited, except for legitimate reasons.

The Telescopic Baton and Telescopic Stick are suitable for police (tempered version), security companies, guards or to prevent any type of bladed weapon attack in particular.

In France, possession of a telescopic baton is only authorized at the owner's home. Furthermore, it is prohibited to carry or transport a category D weapon without legitimate reason. You must be able to provide a valid reason in case of a security check. The validity of this reason will be determined by law enforcement taking into account the location, circumstances and context.

Claiming that the weapon allows you to better face an altercation or danger does not constitute a legitimate reason. In case of non-compliance with regulations on carrying and transporting weapons, the following sanctions apply :

Weapons purchased and held freely: offense committed by a single person: €15,000 fine and one year imprisonment.
Weapons purchased and held freely: offense committed by at least two people: €30,000 and two years imprisonment.
Weapons and launchers whose projectile is propelled in a non-pyrotechnic manner with muzzle energy between 2 and 20 joules (paintball launcher, air rifle, etc.): €750 fine.

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