Can someone from the Met explain the baton issue to Met officers. Some seem to carry the long baton...others expandable ASP type pegs. What is the reasoning, is it task based, division based or even personal preferance?

Bazza

All Met officers are issued with ASP 21inch extendable batons to carry on general policing duties.

Public Order trained Level 1 or 2 officers are in addition issued a 22 or 24 inch black plastic (Arnold) baton (at present)...i understand this may change

Mounted Officers i believe have a choice of the Arnold baton or a 26in version of the ASP.



Personally i think that the 26in ASP should be issued to all officers as i think it is the right length and weight and is comfortable to carry !!

Thanks for that Robbo.....so presumably the Arnold baton is only carried on advanced known public order incidents. That explains a lot. Cheers

No problem....some officers (level 2) sometimes carry the Arnold baton on general duties...its their choice (at least on our borough)

The Arnold is soon to be replaced by a similar 24in plastic baton (not sure why)

We carry a 28" Arnold - FAB BAT

Donkey Walloper

Lucky you.....we could all do with a few extra inches !!

I'm not Level 2, but i'm old and crumbley and can carry either 'cos I was trained on the Arnold baton.


I'd prefer the arnold, but I have to take it out of the ring to get into vehicles though.
I am a Level 1 Though

As a matter of interest anybody carry the Monadnock Autolock Baton ?....had a play with one the other day and it felt horrible...too many moving parts !....its bends...it rattles and it 'moves' !!

We have the choice of both the 21" ASP and the 26" Arnold but most choose the ASP for its portability.
Oh and I get a 26" ASP because I carry a gun

We have a 26" ASP for personal protection when not on horseback. Carried in our utillity vest. Used to have the 21" - That was too SMALL though

Im getting jealous...everyone else seems to have bigger, better etc than us 'poor relations' in the Met !

Come on Robbo. It's not the size of the Baton it's how you use it

You 'bigger' guys would say that wouldn't you !

Not wanting to brag but I am normally a LOT bigger when on duty than average Officers

Its just the cold weather don't worry